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Treasure  %>om 


A 


JOAN     of     ARC 


A    N 


EPIC     POEM, 


B    Y 


ROBERT    SOUTHET. 


EIS  OinNOS  API2T02  AMTNE20AI  TIEPI  IIATTHS. 

OMHPOX. 


^05  TON.* 

Printed  by  Manning  &f  Loring, 

For  J.  NANCREDE,  No.  49,  Martin' -Street, 


1798, 


As 


JOAN    OF    ARC, 

BOOK  THE  FIRST. 


AFLGUMENt. 


Bunois  (the  Baflard  of  Orleans)  carried  away,  by  his 
wounded  Steed,  faints  with  lofs  of  blood,  JOAN 
difcovers  and  heals  hint.  They  proceed  to  the  King. 
Narrative  of  the  Maid.  She  relates  the  Capture  of 
Harfeur,  and  the  expuljion  of  the  inhabitants  by  Hen- 
ry the  $th.  Her  education  with  Bizardo.  The  an- 
nunciation of  her  mijjisn  and  fubfequent  life. 

W  A  RV  varied  horrorsy  and  the  train  of  ills- 
That  follow  on  Ambition's  blood-ftain'd  path 
And  fill  the  world  with  woe ;  of  France  preferv'd 
By  maiden  hand,  what  time  her  chiefs  fubdued, 
Or  flept  in  death,  or  lingered  life  in  chains,  5 

I  fmg :  nor  wilt  thou  Freedom  fcorn  the  fong. 
Sunk  was  the  fun  :  o'er  all  the  expanfe  of  air 
The  mills  of  evening  deepening  as  they  rofe 
Ghill'd  the  ftill  fcene  ;  when  thro'  the  foreft  gloom, 
Rapt  on  with  lightning  fpeed,  in  vain  Dunois  10  * 


4  JOAN   OF   ARC- 

Now  check'd  with  weaker  force  the  unheeded  rein, 

Now  rais'd  the  unheeded  voice.     Swift  as  the  ftorm 

Tremendous  urges  o'er  the  dangerous  cape 

His  fweeping  pinions,  rufh'd  the  fteed  \.  for  deep 

The  heavy-hanging  arrow's  barbed  point  15 

Gor'd  his  red  flank.     Impatient  of  defeat 

Shame  and  Revenge  boil'd  in  the  Baftard's  breaft. 

Adown  his  batter'd  arms  the  tide  of  life 

Roll'd  purpling  ;   foon  its  grafp  the  nervelefs  hand 

Relax'd,  and  faint  and  fainter  wax  his  limbs.      20 

Dim  rolls  the  fhadowy  eye — he  droops — he.  falls. 

Chill  drop  the  dews  of  night.     The  new-borrt  fun 

Refulgent  fmiles  around.     Prom  trance  reviv'd 

In  dubious  life  Dunois^unfeals  his  eyes, 

And  views  a  form  with  mildly-melting  gaze        25" 

Hang  o'er  his  wounds  :  loofe  to  the  morning  breeze 

Waved  her  brown  hair,  and  on  her  rubied  cheek 

Hung  Pity's-  cryftal  gem.     Fearful  awhile 

Left  wandering  Fancy's  unfubftantial  fhapes 

Had  mock'd  the  vagrant  fenfe,  filent  he  gaz'd,  30, 

And  gazing  wonder'd  ;  o'er  his  aching  foul 

Soon  Memory  rufh'd  and  woke  with  ruthlefs  hand 

Each  fleeping  care. 

"  O  France,"  he  cried,  "  my  country  !" 
When  fc ft  as  breeze  that  curls  the  fummer  clouds 
At  clofe  of  day,  dole  on  his  ear  a  voice  35 

Seraphic.    u  Son  of  Orleans  !  grieve  no  more. 
His  eye  not  flept,  tho'  long  the  All-Juft  endur'd 
The  woes  of  France  ;  at  length  his  bar'd  right  arm 


BOOK    THE    FIRST.  5 

Volleys  red  thunder.     From  his  veiling  clouds 

Rufhes  the  ftorm,  Ruin,  and  Fear,  and  Death.     40- 

Take  Son  of  Orleans  the  relief  of  Heaven  : 

Nor  thou  the  wintry  hour  of  adterfe  fate 

Deem  ufelefs  :  Tho*  unhous'd  thou  roam  awhile, 

The  keen  and  icy  wind  that  fhivers  thee 

Shall  brace  thine  arm,  and  with  ftern  difcipline  45 

Firm  thy  young  heart  for  fearlefs  enterprife. 

As  who,  through  many  a  fummer  night  ferene 

Had  hover'd  round  the  fold  with  coward  wifh  ; 

Horrid  with  brumal  ice,  the  fiercer  wolf 

From  his  bleak  mountain  and  his  den  of  fnows    5a 

Leaps  terrible,  and  mocks  the  fhepherd's  fpear." 

So  fpake  the  delegated  Maid,     Meantime 
From  many  a  potent  herb  the  juice  (he  prefs-d  * 
Medicinal,  and  touch'd  with  lenient  hand 
Each  gaping,  wound,  where  life  as  loath  to  fly     55. 
Sat  trembling  :  not  the.  plants  Medea  cull'd 
On  Colchis*  plain,. nor  thofe  ingredients.dire. 
Erichtho  mingled  on  Pharfalia's  field,. 
Making,  the  foul  retenant  its  cold  corfe* 
More  potent ;  thro'  his  frame,  with  force  divine  60 
The  fubtle  fpirit  ran,  and,  every  limb 
Fill'd  with  unwonted  vigor  ;  from  the  ground 
On  nimble  feet  he  fprang*  and  knelt,  and  fpake. 

"  O  more  than  mortal !  thou,  whofe  powerful  hand 
Avails  to  check  the.  rapid  flep  of  death,  65 

Snatching  his  prey  even  from  the  open'd  grave.. 

O  Powerful !  O  Benignant !  for  myfelf 

Ai 


6  yojN  OF  arc.    '; 

Thus  faved,  I  thank  thee  ;  for  my  country,  more  ; 
Angel  of  Heaven  !  for  furely  thou  wilt  aid 
My  country,  and  mine  arm  nerv'd  with  new  life  70 
Shall  on  thefe  proud  invaders  pour  the  war 
With  tenfold  fury."     "  Son  of  Orleans,  ceafe  ;" 
With  lovelieft  fmile  fhe  faid,  "  nor  thus  mifgive 
What  Heaven  alone  can  claim.     To  Heaven  return 
The  grateful  prayer ;  to  Heaven,  whofe  bounteous 
will  75 

Me,  moft  unworthy,  delegates  to  wield 
His  thunder.     Hear  Dunois  the  tale  of  Her, 
Offspring  of  frail  Mortality,  yet  doom'd 
To  fave  her  country.     Lead  me  to  the  king, 
And  as  we  journey  on,  thefe  lips  fhall  tell  80 

The  Wonderous  work  of  Fate," 

She  paus'd ;  meantime, 
As  down  the  fteep  defcent  with  many  a  ftep 
They  urge  their  way,  her  eye  with  wiftful  gaze     85 
Views  the  departing  fcene  ;  fo  his  laft  glance 
High  from  the  deck  the  wretched  exile  fends 
To  all  that  life  holds  dear ;  the  glift'ning  tear, 
Soften'd  her  eye  and  all  the  Woman  reign'd. 
Soon  the  delufion  dies  ;  in  diftance  loft  90 

Fades  every  fpot  belov'd  ;  the  hillock's  top, 
The  oak  wide-branching,  and  the  rifmg  fmoke 
Slow  o'er  the  copfe  that  floated  on  the  breeze 
Melt  in  the  morning  clouds.     She  dried  the  tear, 
Then  thus : 


BOOK    THE    FIRST.  7 

"  Near  Harfleur's  wall,  where  rolls  the  Seine  95 
Full  to  the  fea  his  congregated  waves, 
Dwelt  Albert  once.— Seat  of  my  eai-lieft  years  ! 
Still  bufy  Fancy  loves  with  fairy  touch 
To  paint  its  faded  fcenes  :  even  now  mine  eye 
Darts  thro'  the  pad'  its  retrofpeclive  glance,        100 
And  calls  to  view  each  haunt  of  fportive  youth, 
Each  long-loft  haunt  Ilov'd  :  the  woodbin'd  wall, 
The  jafmine  that  around  the  ftraw-roof'd  cot 
Its  fragrant  branches  wreath'd,  beneath  whofe  fhade 
I  wont  to  fit  and  mark  the  fetting  fun  105 

And  hear  the  redbreaft's  lay.     Nor  far  remote 
As  o'er  the  fubject  landfkip  round  I  gaz'd, 
The  tow'rs  of  Harfleur  rofe  upon  the  view. 
A  foreign  matter  holds  my  father's  home  i 
I,  far  away,  remember  the  paft  years,  no 

And  weep.  The  invader  came.  High  o'er  the  waves 
Rides  the  proud  armament  in  dreadful  pomp 
That  wafted  flaughter  ;  to  the  pebbled  fhore 
The  anxious  natives  throng,  and  gaze  upon 
The  approaching  ruin.     Gn  the  fav'ring  gale,    115 
The  banner'd  lion  floats.     Then  might  be  heard, 
(That  dreadful  emblem  of  deftru&ion  feen,) 
The  mother's  anguifh'd  fhriek,  the  old  man's  groan 
Of  deep  defpondence.     Defolate  the  cot  j 
Silent  the  hamlet  haunts  of  Innocence  ;  120 

For  the  poor  villagers  remembering  all 
Their  grandfires  told  of  war,  fled  wing'dwith  fear 
To  Harfleur's  ihelter  5  thither  me,  yet  young, 


#  JOAN   OF  ARC. 

(For  icarce  four  fummers  o'er  my  head  had  beamed 
Their  radiance)  bore  my  fire  ;  the  well  barr'd  gate* 
The  mafTy  wall*; the  turrets  guarded  ftrength, 
Too  fondly  wifh'd,  too  fondly  deem'd  fecure. 

"  Firm  on  the  battlements  the  natives  ftand,  l 
Heedlefs  of  Death  that  rode  the  iron  ftorffl. 
Fire-brands  and  darts  and  ftones  and  javelins      1*30- 
(Vainly  deftru&ive^thinn'd  the  hoftile  hoft. 
The  intrepid  foe  ruin  onward;     Fourteen  years,. 
Young  as  I  was,  have  not' effaced  the  fcene 
From  bleeding  memory.     The  widow's  cry, 
The  fhrieks  of  anguifh  and  the  yell  of  war         13^: 
And  Deaths  deep  groan,  yet  vibrate  on  my  heart,, 
Yet  wake  the  firings  of  grief !'  'Twere  long  to  tell 
The  vaft  variety  of  Woe  that  filPd 
Unhappy  Harfkun     Long  Eftouteville  ftrove, 
Long  Gaucour's  forceful  arm  repell'd  the  foe.   140  s 
In  vain  they  ftrove,  for  weak  were  the  wide-walls- 
And  few  the  gallant  garrifon,  worn  out 
"With  days  of  ceafelefs  toil,  and  fearful  nights-- 
Of  unfeen  peril.     O'er  the  wafted  town* 
The  dreadful  engines~of  definition  hurl'd*  145; 

Their  ponderous  ruin:  then  my  father  died! 
Spirit  of  Albert !  bend  from  yon  high  Heaven 
Thy  head;  lookdown— beholdnhine  orphan  child  I 
She  goes  to  fill  her  deft  in  y  ;  like  thee, 
Leaving  domeftic  joys,  in  rugged  arms?  i$Q 

To  clafp  her  limbs  ;— like  thee  to  dare  the  war> 
To  die— yet  not  inglorious  !     Wild  with  woe 


BOOK    THE    FIRST.  $ 

O'er  my  poor  father's  fhatter'd  corfe  I  lay, 

And  kill  his  rigid  cheek,  and  tore  my  veft 

To  bind  his  mangled  limbs  ;  nor,  now  bereft      155; 

Of  him  the  only  parent  of  my  youth,, 

Fear'd  I  the  horrors  that  prevail'd  around* 

Suddenly  all  was  ftill :  anon  burft  forth 

The  fhout  of  conqueft:  from  their  long-lov'd  homes'* 

Thrufl:  forth,  the  unhappy  natives  wander  o'er  1 6© 

The  wafted  plain,  in  want  and  wretchednefs, 

Feebly  I  followed ;  one  who  knew  and  lov'ci 

My  fallen  father,  fav'd  his  helplefs  child. 

Long  time  he  journeyed  on  in  hopes  to  gain 

Beyond  old  Arden,  in  his  fitter's  home  165" 

A  fafe  afylum  ;  and  we  now  had  reach'd 

The  wood,  with  many  a  painful  day's  hard  toily. 

When  by  the  rankling  wound  that  prey'd  upon  him 

Worn  out,  he  fell.     My  agonizing  fhrieks 

Pierced  thro'  the  £breft,  and  a.  holy  man  170 

Drew  near  :.  he  bore  him  to  his  rock-rooPd  cell, 

And  many  a  precious  balm,  and  virtuous  herb 

The  aged  leech  applied  ;  his  earthly  cares 

Were  fruit lefs,  for  worn  nature  funk  to  reft. 

Yet  of  a  Judge,  all  juft,  all  merciful,  175 

A  Gon  of  Love,  infpir'd  the  hermit  told, 

And  folaced  his  departing  foul  with  ftrains 

Of  fweeteft  piety,  and  bade  it  rife 

On  Faith's  ftrong  wings  to  Heaven.  Thus,  once  again 

Bereav'd  of  friends,  the  iport  of  adverfe  fate,     180 

On  his  turf'd  grave  I  pour'd  the  orphan  tear. 


*<^  jo  a  it  of  arc: 

"Rude  was  Brzardo's  cell ;  the  beetling  rock' 
Frown?d  o'er  its  ivied -entrance ;  the  hewn  (tone  - 
Form'd  his  rough  feat,  and  ;on  a  bed  of  leaves 
The  aged  hermit toofc-his  nightly  reflv  18^ 

A  pure  ftream  welling  from  the  moffy  rock 
Crept  murmuring  thro* the  woody  and-many  a  -flow'r 
Drank  on  its  fide  the  genial  fap  of  life. 
The  rich  foil  wafted  not  in- worthlefs!  weeds' 
Its  nurture  ;  for  Bizardo's  patient  hand '  1 96 

Cultured  <?ach  dealing  and  falubrious  herb  ; 
And  every  fruit  that  courts  the  fummer  fun> 
Bloomy  for  the  holy  hermit's  blamelefs  food. 
Oft  would  the  fage  exclaim,  "  Ah  why  mould  man,. 
Stern  tyrant  of  the  field,  with  blood  pollute       195:; 
His  feftive  board  ;  Nature  has  fpread  around  ■ 
The  unguilty- food  of  life  abundantly. 
How  frolic  in  the  fun  701*  little  fawn 
Strains  his  young  limbs ;  now  browzes  the  fweet  grafs,.. 
Now  o'er  the  plain  leaps  lightly  ;  that  man's  heart; 
Were  hard  and  alien  from  humanity 
Who  could  endure  to  gdre'  his  innocent  fide  ! ' 
Sport  on,  poor  forefter  f  fport  on  fecure, 
Fearlefs  of  oneby  hard  misfortune  fchool-d 
To  feel  for  others^     Here  my  infant  years  2C£ 

Roll'd  on  at  length  in  peace  ;  he  taught  my  knees- 
To  bend  in  prayer  to  that  all-gracious*  God 
Whofe  parent  power  had  call'd  me  into  life ; 
And  who,  from  every  perilous  chance  preferv'3, 
Had  to  the  frieudlefs  orphan-  given  airiendw      zi& 


BOOK    THE  SIRST.  m 

*Of  every  herb  that  blooms  amid  the  grove, 
Qr-on  the  high  cliff  drinks  a  purer  air 
He  bade  me. know  the.  virtue ;  with  the  morn 
Up  from  the  homely  couch  we  rofe  to  pour 
The  foul-expanding  prayer :  his  eyes  would  beam 
Seraphic  rapture,  as  with  eloquent  tongue 
He  told  the, works  of  Heaven,  to  thanklefs  man. 
How  from  the  womb  of  daricnefs  nature  rofe 
Refulgent^  at  the^  Godhead's  high  command 
How  matter  teem'd  with  life:  the  earth  pntforth  220 
Her  various  itores  :  the  groves  of  Paradife 
:Gave,  their  mild  echoes  to  the  choral  fong 
Of  new-born  beings  :  and  the  laft  beft  work 
Form'd  in  God's  image,  reared,  the.  lordly  face 
To  Heaven.     But  when  Bizardo  toldhow  man  2  25 
Pell  from  perfection,  from  angelic  ft  ate, 
-Plung'd  deep  in  fin,  and  vpluck'd  the  fruit- of  woe, 
And  bow'd  the  knee  to  fiends,  and  mocVd  at  God, 
Till  Chrift  expiring  on. the  facred  crofs 
Pour'd  forth  the  atoning  life  ;  the  tears  ran  down 
His  aged  cheeks  with  woe-mixt  gratitude. 

"  Forgive  the  prolix  tale !  -Oh  I  could  dwell 
forever  thus,;  for  weeks, ^and  months,  and  years, 
Roll'd  undiftinguifiVddown  the  ftream  of  Time, 
Till  fourteen  fummers  fmiling  o'er  my  head     235 
Sawtmy  young  mind  rich  with  the  precious  lore 
Of  virtue,  and  the  leeches  healing  art 
JBy  him— the  good  man— taught. 


12  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

"  One  morn  it  chanc'cl, 
As  wandering  thro'  the  wilds  my  fteps  ftray'd  on, 
And:from  the  high  grafsbrufhed  the  morning  dew, 
The  track  of  blood  alarm'd  me  ;  void  of  fear, 
For  the  innocent  fear  little  ;  eagerly 
I  traced  the  ftain,  thinking  fome  mangled  fawn 
Or  lamb  had  from  the  favage  wolf  efcap'd, 
And  I  might  haply  heal  its  bleeding  wounds.    245 
It  led  me  where  outftretch'd  on  the  red  earth 
There  lay  a  youth  wounded,  and  faint ;  his  hair 
Clotted  with  gore  ;  faft  from  his  fide  ftream'd  out 
The  blood  ;  on  his  pale  cheek  the  cold  dews  flood, 
And  from  his  hand  the  blood-ftain'd  fword  had  faU'n. 
Fearful  to  leave,  yet  impotent  alone 
To  bear  him  to  our  cell — my  echoing  voice 
Calls  on  Bizardo's  aid  ;  he  heard  ;  our  hands 
Enwove  the  ofier  car ;  the  cave  receives 
The  fenfelefs  ftranger.     O'er  his  couch  I  bent  255 
With  pious  vigilance  and  fearful  hope, 
Watching  the  wounded  man  till  fugitive  life 
Dubious  return'd.     His  eyes  gazed  wiftful  round 
And  ere  again  the  heavy  lids  clos'd  on  them 
Beam'd  languid  gratitude.     Long  time  elapfed  260 
Ere  thro*  his  frame  the  temperate  current  roll'd 
Of  former  flrength  :  for  deeply  had  he  felt 
The  ruffian's  fword,  and  diftant  many  a  league 
Domremi  lay  the  Granger's  native  home. 

"  Scarce  eighteen  years  had  nerv'd  the  ftripltng's 
arm ;  265 


BOOK   THE   FIRST.  13 

Yet  Theodore  had  view'd  each  deathful  icene : 
And  oft  the  tear  from  his  averted  eye 
'He  dried;  mindful  of  fertile  fields  laid  wafte, 
Difpeopled  hamlets,  the  lorn  widow's  groan, 
And  the  pale  orphan's  feeble  ery  for  bread.       270 
But  when  he  told  of  thofe  fierce  fons  of  guilt 
That  o'er  this  earth  which  God  had  fram'd  fo  fair 
Spread  defolation,  and  its  wood-crown'd  hills 
Make  echo  to  the  mercilefs  war  dog's  howl ; 
And  how  himfelf  from  fuch  foul  favagery         275 
Had  fcarce  efcap'd  with  life,  then  his  ftretch'd  arm 
Seem'd,  as  it  wielded  the  refiftlefs  fword 
Of  Vengeances   in  his  eager  eye  the  foul 
Was  eloquent ;  warm  glow'd  his  manly  cheek  ; 
And  beat  againft  his  fide  the  indignant  heart.  280 
"  Meantime  autumnal  gales  had  fwept  the  grove, 
And  to  the  cold  blaft  now  the  fullen  oak 
•Spread  his  unfoliag'd  arms  ;  the  cloud-clad  iky 
Frown'd  o'er  the  drear  and  melancholy  fcene. 
At  length  the  fnows  fell  fa  ft,  and  drifting  deep  285 
Choak'd  up  the  road  ;  yet  felt  not  Theodore 
One  tedious  hour  of  all  the  live-long  day. 
Oh  !  he  would  fit  and  mark  the  driving  ftorm, 
Wbilft  o'er  the  high  heap'd  hearth,  of  a  bad  world 
And  of  the  woes  that  Man  creates  for  Man       290 
He  told.     Then  gazing  round  our  peaceful  cell, 
*'  Here  (he  would  cry)  let  Theodore  remain, 
Till  at  the  laft  his  wafted  lamp  of  life 
Gently  go  out,"     Yet  were  not  then  the  hours 


$4  :JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Devoid  of  forrov* ;  for  our  anxious  «yes  2  95 

Beheld  Bizardo  waining  to  the  tomb. 
In  the,  full  -of  years  he  funk .:  his  eyes  grew  dim, 
And  on  the  bed  of  leaves  his  feeble  frame 
Lay  helplefs.     Patiently  did  he  endure, 
In  faith  anticipating  blenednefs.,  500 

Already  more  than  Man  in  that  dread  hour 
When  Man  is  meaneft.     His  were  the  beft  joys 
The  pious  .know,  .and  his  laft  prayer  was  praife. 
I  faw  him  die.;  I  faw  the  dews  of  J)eath 
Starting  on  his  .cold  brow :i  I  ieard  bim  then    305 
Pour  out  a  bleffing  on^iev—Son  of  Orleans  i 
I  would  not  wife  to  live  to  know  that  hour, 
When  I  .eould  think  upon  a  dear  Jriend  dead, 
And  weep'not.     Aching  at  the  heart  we  delved 
The  narrow  haufe,  and  o'er  the  inearthed  corfe  31,0 
Heapt  we  the  grafs-green  fod.    The  fpring  cameon; 
I  felt  a  pang  that  may  not  be  exprefs'd 
Leaving  that  little  cell  where  many  a  year 
^Had  paft  in  peace.     We  journeyed  on  our  way, 
Seeking  the  diftant  .home  of  Theodore  ;  315 

And  at  the  laft  faw  o'^er  the  budding  copfe 
The  curling  fmoke  rifeilow;  onward  he  fpeeds 
Elate  of  heart,     The  watch  dog  with  hoarfe  bark 
Announc'd  the  coming  gueft  ;  then,  wild  with  joy 
Soon  as  Remembrance  fpake  his  long-loved  Lord, 
Fawn'd  on  his  feet  and  howl'd  with  ecftafy, 
'Twas  happinefs  indeed,  one  face  of  blifs 
Shines  thro*  the  home  :  die  eager  ploughman  quits 


BOOK  THE    FIRST.  is 

The  labouring  team,  for  Theodore  is  come, 
Faft  down  his  mother's  eheek  roll'd  the  warm  tear 
Of  tranfport,  to  her  bread  fhe  clafpt  her  child, 
Long  wept  as  one  no  more  ;  nor  me  forgot* 
But  welcomed  me  even  with  a  mother's  fmile. 
Here  paft  my  unruffled  days.     Sometimes  at  morn 
With  pleafing  toil  to  drive  the  woolly  flock        33a 
To  verdant  m?ad  or  ftream*  fometimes  to  eafe 
The  lowing  cattle  of  their  milky  load>  - 
My  grateful  tafk  ;  as  with  a  parent's  love 
Would  Eleanor  partake  each  peaceful  hour. 
Hours  of  delight,  ye  are  forever  gone  !  335 

I'fhall  no  more  with  cheerful  toil  prepare- 
The  rural  cates  forhfgfrfolemiu'tyr 
At  holy  hour  ;  no  mdreairtid  the  dance 
Move  in  brifk  meafures  with  -the  blamelefs  train. 
The  cot's  calm  quiet  and  the  village  fports         340 
Thefe  leave  I  willingly,  thefe  do  I  change 
For  -the  camp's  din,  the  clangor  of  the  war, 
The  pomp  of  daughter  :  fuch-  the  high-command  - 
Of  Duty  ;  that  command  I  fhall  obey. 

"  Dunois  !   I  dwelt  in  happinefs,  my1  foul-      345 
Slumber'd  ;  and  never  feeling-  wretchednefs 
I  never  dreamt  of  what  the  wretched  feel. 
The  night  was  comfortlefs;  the  loud  blafts  howl'd, 
And  as  we  fat  around. the  focial  hearth 
We  heard  the  rain  beat  hard  :  driven  by  the  ftorm 
A  warrior  mark'd  our  diftant  taper's  light.        350 
We  Jieapt  the  fire  :  the  friendly  board  was  fpread : 


16  JOAN   OF   ARC 

The  bowl  of  hofpitality  went  round. 

"  The  ftorm  beats  hard,"  the  ftranger  cried,  M  fkfe 

bous'd, 
Pleafant  it  is  to  hear  the  pelting  rain. 
I  too  were  weli  content  to  dwell  in  peace,  355 

Retting  my  head  upon  the  lap  of.  Love, 
But  that,  my  Country  calls.     When  the  winds  roar,-. 
Remember  fometimes  what  a  foldier.fuffers, 
And  think  of  Conrade."     Theodore  replied, 
"  Succefs  go  with  thee.     Something  I  have.feen  360. 
Of  war,  and  of  its  dreadful  ravages. 
My  foal  was  fick  at  fuch  ferocity  ; 
And  I  am  well  content  to  dwell  in  peace 
Albeit  inglorious,  thanking  that  good  God 
Who  made  me  to  be  happy."     "  Did  that  God," 
Cried  Conrade,  ««  form  thy  heart  for  happinefs 
When  Defolation  royally  careers 
Over  thy  wretched  country  ?"  did  that  God ; 
Form  thee  for  peace  when  Slaughter  is  abroad, 
When  her  brooks  run  with, blood,  and  Rape,  and* 

Murder,  37° 

Stalk  thro'  her  flaming  towns  ?  live  thou  in  peace, 
Young  ma-n!:  my  heart  is  flefhly  :  L do ifceb 
For  what  my  brethren  fuffer."     As  he  fpake, 
Such  mingled  paffions  charactered  his. face 
Of  fierce  and  terrible  benevolence,  3.7  £ 

That  I  did  tremble  as  I  liftened  to  him. 
Then  in  mine  heart  tumultuous  thoughts  arofe. 
Q£  high  achievements,  indiftinc]:,  and  wttdV, 


BOOK    THE    FIRST.  iy 

And  vaft,  yet  fuch  they  were  that  I  did  pant 

As  the/  by  fome  divinity  poflefs'd.  380 

"  But  is  there  not  fome  duty  due  to  thofe 
We  love  ?"  faid  Theodore  ;  and  as  he  fpake 
His  warm  cheek  erimfon'd.     "  Is  it  not  moil  right 
To  cheer  the  evening  of  declining  age, 
With  filial  tendernefs  repaying  thus,  3^5 

Parental  love  ?"     "  Hard  is  it,"  Conrade  cried, 
"  Aye,  very  hard,  to  part  from  thofe  we  love,;   , 
And  I  have  fufFer'dthat  fevereft  pang. 
My  Agnes  !  |  have  left  an  aged  mother  y  X 
I  have  left 'one,  on  whom  my  fond  heart  doats  390. 
With  love  unutterable.     Should  I  live 
Till  France  fhall  fee  the  blefled  hour  of  Peace, 
I  fhall  return;  \  My  heart  will  be  content* 
My  higheft  duties. wilL  be  well  difcharg'd 
And  I  may  dare  be  happy.     There  are  thofe     395 
Who  deem  thefe  thoughts  wild  fancies  of  a  mind  - 
Strict  beyond  meafure,  and  were  well  content 
If  I  Ihould  foften  down  my  rigid  nature  ; 
Even  to  inglorious  eafe,  to-  honor  me; 
But  pure:iOf  heart  and  hi£h  of  felf-efteem  :\        400, 
I  muft  be  honored  by  myfelf.  ,s  Allelfe, 
The.  breath  of  Fame,  is  as  the  unfteady;  wind 
Worthlefs."     $o  faying  from  his  belt  he  took 
The  encumb'ring  fw'ord, /»,  I  held  it,  lift'ning  to  him. 
And  wifllefs  what  I  did,  half  from  the  fheath     405 
Drew  the  well-temper'd  blade.     I  gaz'd  upon  it 
And  fhuddering,  as  I  felt  its  edge,  exclaim'd,  . 
»':»■'■ 


18  JOAN   @F  ARC:. 

It  is  mofl  horrible  with  the  keen  fwordV 
To  gore  the  finely  fibred  human  frame  I 
I  could  not  ftrike  a  lamb.     He  anfwer'd  me,    ^icr 
"Maiden,  thou  haft  faid  well-    I  could  not  ftrike 
A  lamb.     But  when  the  invader's  favage  ftrry 
Spares  not  grey  age,  and  mockfr  the  infant's  fhriek 
As  he  does  writhe  upon  his  curfed  lance, 
And  forces  to  his  foul  embrace,  the  wife  415: 

Even  on  her  murder'd  hufband's  gafping  corfeX 
Almighty  God  !   I  fhould  not  be  a  man 
If  I  did  let  one  weak  and  pitiful:  feeling 
Make  mine  arm  impotent  to  cleave  him  down.. 
Think  well  of  this,  young  Man,"  he  cried  and  feiz'd 
The  hand  of  Theodore  ;  "think  well  of  this  $ 
As  you  are  human,  as  you  hope  to  live 
In  peace,  amid  the  deareft  joys  of  home  ^ 
Think  well  of  this  :  you  have  a  tender  mother*, 
As  you  do  wifkthat  fhe  may  die  in  peace,  425; 

As  you  would  even  to  madnefs-, agonize 
To  hear  this  maiden  call  on  you  in  vain 
For  aid,  and  fee  her  dragg'd,  and  hear  her  fcream 
In  the  blood-reeking  foldier's  luftful  arms. 
Think  that  there  are  fuch.  horrors  y  that  even  now  * 
Some  city  flames,  and  haply  as  in  Rouen 
Some  faminVd  babe  on  his  dead  mother's  breaft 
Yet  hangs  for  food..    Oh  God  !   I  would  not  lofe 
Thefe  horrible  feelings  tho'  they  tear  mine  heart." 
"  When  we  had  all  betaken  us  to  reft,  43^ 

Sleeplefs  I  lay,  and  in  my  mind  revolv'd 


book:  the  FiR&r.  i& 

The  High-foul'd-  Warriar/s i  fpeech . .    Then  roie  the . 

thought 
Of  all  the  miferies  that  my  early  youth b 
Had  feen  in  that  beleager'd  city,  where  6 
Death  never  refted,  and  the  morning;fiin  440- 

Made,  fteam  the  fearful  havoc  of  the  night ; 
Till  at  the  break  of  day  I  flept ;.  nor  then 
Repos'd  my  heated  brain  ;  for  to  my  view 
Arofe  ftrange  forms,  fent  as  I  do  believe 
From  the  Moft  High*-    I  faw  a  town  hemm'd  in  4457 
Like  HarrTeur,  round  with  enemies  begirt, , 
Where  Famine  on  a  heap  of  carcaffes, 
Half  envious  of  the  unutterable  feaft: 
Mark'd  the  gorgfd  raven  clog,  his  beak  with  gore;. 
J  turn'd  me  then  to  the  befieger*s  camp,  450 

And  there  was  revelry  5,  the  loud  lewd  laugh; 
Burft  on  mine  ears,  and  I  beheld  the  chiefs 
Even  at  their  feaft  plan<  the  device  of  Death;. 
My  foul  grew  fick  within  me  t  then  methougHt 
From  a  dark  lowering  cloud,  the  womb  of  tempeils, 
A  giant  arm  burft  forth,  and  dropt  a  fword 
That  pierc'd  like  lightning  thro*  the  midnight  air. 
Then  was  there  heard  a  voice,  which  in  mine  ear 
Shall  echo,  at  that  hour  of  di  eadful  joy 
When  the  pale  foe  fhall  wither  in  my  rage.        460 
"  From-  that  night  I  could  feel  my  burthen'd  foul 
Heaving  beneath  incumbent  Deity. 
I  fat  in  filence,  mufing  on  the  days 
To  come.     Anon  my  raptur'd  eye  would  glance 


■p,  JOAJZ   OF   ARC 

A  wild  prophetic-meaning.     I  have  heard  465.: 

Strange  voices  in  the  evening  wind.     Strange  forms  . 
IHmly  difcovered  tbrong'd  the  twilight  air. 
They  wonderecf  at  me.  who  had  known  me  once 
A  ^cheerful,:  carelefs  daxnfcL     I  have  feen,. 
Theodore  gaze  upon  me  wiftfully  ,  470  v 

Till  he  did, weep...  I  would  have  .told  him  all 
The  mighty  future  labouring  in  my  bread, 
But  that  methought  the,  hour, was  not  yet  come. 

"At  length  I  heard  of  Orleans,  by  the  foe 
Waird  in^from  li^man  luccourr,;  to  the  event    475 
All  look  with  fear,  for  there  the  fate. of  France 
Hung  in  the  balance*  ,  Now  my  troubled  foul 
G^ew.mare-difturb'd,  and  fhunning. every  eye, 
I  loy'd  to  wander. where  the  fared  fhade 
Frown 'd  deeped  y  there  on  mightieft  deeds  .to  brood  \ 
Of  ihadowy  yadnefs,  fuch  las  made  my  heart 
Throb  fail. .    Anon  I  paus'd^and  in  a  date 
Of  half  e^pe,cT:ance.  liften'd  to  the  wind.. 

"  Laft.  evening  Jone  in  thought  I  wandered  forth.'; 
Down  in.  the  dingles  depth  there  is  a  brook       485 
That  makes  its  way;  between  the  craggy  dones 
Murmuring  hoarfe  murmurs.     On  an  aged  oak  , 
Whofe  root  uptorn  by  tempeds  overhangs  * 
The  dream,  I  fat,  and  mark'd  the  deep  red  clouds  ;• 
Gather  before  the  wind,  whild  the  rude  dafli       490 
Of  waters  rock'd  my  fenfes,  and  the  mids 
Rofe  round  :  there  as  I  gazed,  a  form  dim-feen 
Defcended,  like  the  dark  and  moving  clouds 


BOOK    THE    SECOND..  JK 

That  in  the  moon -beam  change  their  fhadowy  fhapes> . 
His  voice  was  on  the  breeze  ;  he  bade  me  hail  495: 
The  miflioned  Maid!  for  lo  !  the  hour  was  come.. 
Then  was  the  future  prefent  to  my  view, 
And  ftrange  events  yet  in  the  womb  of  Time 
To  me  made  manifeft* ,    I  fat  entranc'd 
In  the  beatitude  of; heavenly  vifion.  500 

At  length  .a, wounded  courfer  dropping  blood 
RufrYd  by  me. .    I  arofe  and  fought  the  fpot 
Where   thou  hadft  fallen;  there  the   M6ft  High 

vouehfaf'd 
That  aid  .mtracuio-ua  whkk  tliou  jiaft  .known* . 


BOOK  THE   SECOND 


ARGUMENT. 


Preternatural -agency*.  J4XAN and  Dunoij -refloat  a 
cottage*  Their  hoftfpmfo  of  the  battle-  of  Azin- 
cour,  and  the  maffacre  of  the  prifoners  after  that  de- 
feat. The  ftege  of  Rouen  related  and  the  miferies  of 
the  befiegedr  The  ufelefs  inhabitants  fent  out  of  the 
to<wn+,  Behaviour  of  Henry  to-  them*  Capture  of 
Rouen  and  execution  of  J&ain Blanchardi  it*  gallant 
defender, 

IN  O  more  of  UfurpairOn's  cfaom'cl  defeat* 
Ere  we  the  deep  preluding  ftrain  have  pour'd- 
To  the  Great  Father,  Only  Rightful  King,. 
Eternal  Father  !   King  Omnipotent  I 
Beneath  whofe  fhadowy  banners  wide  unfurl'dr 
Juftice  leads  forth  her  tyrant-quelling .Hofts. 
Such  Symphony  requires  beft  Inflrument. 
Seize   then,  my  Soul!   from  Freedom's  trophiedi 

Dome 
Tlie  Harp  which,  hanging,  high  between  the  fhields 
Of  Brutus  and  Leonidas,  oft  gives  iou- 

A  fitful  mufic  to  the  breezy  touch 


BOJDK    THE    SECOND.  33 

Of  patriot  Spirits  that  demand  their  fame, 
-lifer  what  is  freedom,  but  the  unfetter'd  ufe 
Of  all  the  Powers  which  God  for  ufe  had  given? 
But  chiefly  this,  with  holieft  habitude  15 

Of  conftant  Faith,  him  Firft,  him  Laft  to  view 
Thro*  meaner  powers  and  fecondary  things 
Effulgent,  as  thro'  clouds  that  veil  his  blaze. 
For  all  that  meets  the  bodily  fenfe  I  deem 
Symbolical,  one  mighty  alphabet  ^20 

For  infant  minds  ;  and  we  in  this  low  WorM 
Placed  with  our  backs  to  bright  Reality, 
That  we  may  learn  with  young  unwounded  ken 
Things  from  their  fhadoWs.   Know  thyfelf,  my  Soul  I 
Confirm'd  thy  ftrength,  thy  pinions  fledged  for  flight 
B&rfting  this  fliell  and  leaving  next  thy  neft 
Soon  upward  foaring  fbalt  thou  fix-intenfe 
Thine -eaglet  eye  on  Heaven's  eternal  Sun  Vs 
But  fome  there  are  who  deem  themferves  moft  free, 
When  they  within  this  grofs  and  vifible  fphere     30 
Chain  down  the  winged  thought,  fcoffing  afcent 
Proud  in  their  meanhef's  ;  and  themfelves  they  cheat 
With  noify^emptinefs  of  learned  phrafe, 
Their  fubtle  fluids,  impacts,  eflences,    ■ 
Self -working  Tools,  uncaus'd  Effects,  and  all       35 
Thofe  blind  Omnifcients,  thofe  Almighty  Slaves, 
Untenanting  Creation  of  its  God, 
But  Properties  are  God  :  the  naked' ma& 
Acts  only  by  its  inactivity. 
Here  we  paufe  humbly.     Others  boldlier  think  '4* 


*4  JOAN   OF   ART:. 

That  as  one  body  is  the  aggregate 
1  Of  atoms  numberlefs,  each  organiz'd; 
So  by  a  flrange  and  dim  fimilitude, 
Infinite  myriads  of  felf-confcious  minds 
Form  one  all-confcious  Spirit,  who  dire&s  ■$$ 

With  abfolute  ubiquity  of  thought 
AH  his  component  monads,  that  yet  feem 
With  various. province  and  apt  agency 
Each  to  purfue  its  own  felf-centering  end. 
Some  nurfe  the  infant  diamond  in  the  mine.;        50 
-Some  roll  the  genial  juices  thro'  the  oak  ; 
Some  drive  the  mutinous' clouds  to  clafh  in  air  ; 
And  ruining  on  the  ftorm  with  whirlwind  fpeed 
Yoke  the  red  lightning  to  their  vollying  car. 
Thus  thefe  purfue  their  never-varying  courfe,       55 
No  eddy  in  their  ftream.     Others  more  wild, 
With  complex  interefts  weaving  human  fates, 
Duteous  onproud,  alike  obedient  all, 
Evolve  the  prooefs  of  eternal  good. 

And  what  if  fome  rebellious,  o'er  dark  realms  6© 
Arrogate  power  ?  yet  tthefe  train  up  to  -God, 
And  on  the  rude  eye  uneonfirm'd  for  day 
Flafti  meteor  lights  better  than  total  gloom. 
As  ere  from  Lieule^Oaive's  vapoury  head 
The  Laplander  behold*  the  far  off  fun  6$ 

Dart  his  flant  beam  on  unobeying  fnows, 
While  yet  the  ftern  and  folitary  Night 
Brooks  no  alternate  fway,  the  Boreal  Morn 
With  mimic  luftre  tfubftitutcs  its  gleam 


%00K    THE    SECOND.  25 

Guiding  his  courfe,  or  by  Niemi's  lake  70 

Or  Balda-Zhiok,  or  the  moffj  ftone   a 
Of  Solfar-Kapper,  while  the  fnowy  blaft   3 
Drifts  arrowy  by,  or  eddies  round  his  fledge 
Making  the  poor  babe  at  its  mother's  back 
Scream  in  its  fcanty  cradle  :  he  the  while  75 

"Wins  gentle  folace  as  with  upward  eye 
He  marks  the  ftreamy  banners  of  the  North, 
Thinking,  himfelf  thofe  happy  fpirits  mall  join 
Who  there  in  floating  robes  of  rofy  light 
Dance  fportively.     For  Fancy  is  the  power  80 

That  firft  unfenfualizes  the  dark  mind 
"Giving  it  new  delights  ;  and  bids  it  fwell 
With  wild  activity  ;  and  peopling  air, 
By  obfcure  fears  of  Beings  invinble 
Emancipates  it  from  the  grofler  thrall  S$ 

Of  the  prefent  impulfe,  teaching  felf  control 
Till  Superftition  with  unconfcious  hand 
Seat  Reafon  on  her  throne.     Wherefore  not  vain, 
Nor  yet  without  permitted  power  imprefs'd, 
I  deem  thofe  legends  terrible,  with  which  90 

The  polar  Ancient  thrills  his  uncouth  throng  : 
Whether  of  pitying  fpirits  that  make  their  moan 
O'er  flaughter'd  infants,  or  that  Giant  Bird 
Vuokho,  of  whofe  ruining  wings -the  noife 
Is  Temped,  when  the  unutterable  Shape  95 

Speeds  from  the  Mother  of  Death  his  deftin'd  way  4 
To  fnatch  the  murderer  from  his  fecret  cell ! 
Or  if  the  Greenland  Wizard  in  orange  trance 
C 


26  JOAN   OF    ARC. 

Pierces  the  un traveled  realms  of  oceans  hed 
(Where  live  the  innocent,  as  far  from  cares        ioo 
As  from  the  florms  and  overwhelming  waves 
Dark-tumbling  on  the  furface  of  the  deep)   5 
Over  the  abyfm  even  to  that  uttermoft  cave 
By  milhap'd  Prodigies  beleager'd,  fuch 
As  Earth  ne'er  bred,  nor  Air,  nor  the  upper  Sea* 
There  dwells  the  fury  Form,  whofe  unheard  name 
With  eager  eye,  pale  cheek,  impended  breath 
Unfleeping  Silence  guards,  worn  out  with  fear 
Left  haply  efcaping  on  fome  treacherous  blaft 
The  fatal  Sound  let 'flip  the  Elements  no 

And  frenzy  Nature.     Yet  the  wizard  her, 
Arm'd  with  Torngarfuck's  power,  the   Spirit  of 

good, 
Forces  to  unchain  the  foodful  progeny 
Of  the  Ocean  ftream.     Wild  phantafies  !  yet  wife, 
On  the  victorious  goodnefs  of  high  God  115 

Teaching  Reliance  and  medicinal  Hope, 
Till,  from  Bethabra  northward,  heavenly  Truth 
With  gradual  fteps  winning  her  difficult  way 
Transfer  their  rude  Faith  perfected  and  pure. 

If  there  be  Beings  of  higher  clafs  than  Man,  120 
I  deem  no  nobler  province  they  poffefs 
Than  by  difpofal  of  apt  circumftance 
To  rear  fome  realm  with  patient  difcipline, 
Aye  bidding  Pain,  dark  Error's  uncouth  child, 
Blamelefs  Parenticide  !  his  fnakey  fcourge  12$ 

Lift  fierce  againft  his  Mother  1  Thus  they  make 


BOOK    THE   SECOWU.  27 

Of  tranfient  Evil  ever-during  Good 

Themfelves  probationary,  and  denied 

Confefs'd  to  view  by  preternatural  deed 

To  o'erwhelm  the  will,  fave  on  fome  fated  day    rj©. 

Headftrong,  or  with  petitioned  might  from  God. 

And  fuch  perhaps  the  guardian  Power  whofe  ken 
Still  dwelt  on  France.    He  from  the  Invifible  World 
Buril  on  the  Maiden's  eye,  impregning  Air 
With  Voices  and  ftrange  Shapes,  illufions  apt,      1 35 
Shadowy  of  Truth.     And  firfl  a  landfcape  rofe 
More  wild  and  wafte  and  defolate,  than  where 
•The  white  bear  drifting,  on  a  field  of  ice 
Howls  to  her  funder'd  cubs  with  piteous  rage 
And  favage  agony.     Mid  the  drear  fcene  140 

A  craggy  rnafs  uprear'd.  its  mifty  brow, 
Untouched  by  breath  of  Spring,  unwont  to  know 
Red  Summer's  influence,  or  the  cheerful  face 
Of  Autumn  ;    yet  its  fragments  many  and  huge 
Aftounded  ocean  with  the  dreadful  dance  145 

Of  whirlpools  numberlefs,  abforbing  oft 
The  blamelefs  fifTier  at  his  perilous  toil. 
Upon  the  topmoil height  the  Maiden  faw 
A  meteor-lighted  dome  :  to  every  blaft 
Shook  the  wide  fabric,  tottering,  as  to  fall,  150 

Forever  tottering  ;  round  the  tempefts  yell'd 
Tremendous,  mufic  hoarfe  !:  yet  to  the  ear 
Of  him  who  there  had  rule,  the  Dynaft  ftera, 
Not  undelightful.     His  perturbed  flight 
Anxious  and  gloomy,  fpeeding  hitherwards,      155 


28  JOAN   OF   ARC, 

She  faw  the  dark-wing?d  Shape  :.  with  all  its  towers 
The  palace  nods:  fuch  was  Ambition's  voice 
Obedient  firft,  fierce  fervant  of  fierce  Lord, 
CowPd  Superstition  comes,  her  loofen'd  robes 
Float  on  the  breeze  and  half  expofed  to  view     16& 
The  rufted  dagger.     By  her  fide  crept  on 
Mitred  Hypocrisy,  with  meekefl  mien 
And  ftep  demure,  and  crofs,  which  to  his  heart 
He  preft,  and  feem'd  with  heaven-ward  eye  to  pour. 
The  pious  prayer  ;  yet  never  prayer  he  pour'd  165 
Save  when  with  fecret  glance  he  view'd  the  crowd 
Admiring  near.     Revenge  unwilling  quits 
The  mangled  corfe  ;  and  prodigal  of  death 
Next  Slau  g  hter  ftrode ;  his  falchion  yet  unfheath'd . 
Reeks  from  the  wound,  ioofe  flow  his  long  black 
locks,  17a: 

The  wide  roll  of  his  eye  is  terrible, 
And  each  limb  quivers.     Cruelty  comes  next, 
With  favage  imile  grafping  a  widowed  dove. 
And  Fury  next  beating  her  own  fwoln  bread 
Ruin'd  at  the  call  :  and  Envy  hideous  form      175.; 
Gnawing  her  flefh,  and  tearing  from  her  head 
The  viper  turn'd  to  bite  :  and  Horror  wild 
"With  creeping  flefli.     Despair,  his  fullen  arms 
Folded  ;  aye  muttering  dark  and  half-form'd  words 
Of  dreadful  import.     Aged  Avarice  next         180, 
Hugg'd  to  his  heart  his  bags,  and  call  around 
(Unwilling  tho'  to  lofe  the  golden  fight,) 
The  fearful  look.     And  fitful  Jealousy 


BOOK    THE    SECOND.  29 

Anxious  for  mifery  came  :  and  feverifh  Lust 
Hot  from  the  convent.     Paliied  Fear  fled  on,  185 
And  ever  as  he  fled  his  ghaftly  eye 
Reverts.     Then  ftalk'd  along  the  giant  form 
Gf  proud  Oppression,  on  his  crowned  brow 
Sate  Defolation,  and  his  pitylefs  frown 
Difpeopled  countries  :  him  behind  a  train  190. 

Loathly  and  horrible,  of  namelefs  fiends 
Outnumbering  locufts.     Laft,  as  fill'd  with  fear, 
Suspicion  ever- watchful  clos'd.the  train:. 
Pale  meagre  fpeclre,  ribb'd  with  iron  plates, 
Sleeplefs,  and  fearful  of  the  friendly  meal,  195 

Worn  out  with  anxious  vigilance  of  life. 

Thefe  at  the  palace,  meet,  there,  porter  fit, 
Remorse  forever  his  fad  vigils  kept, 
His  heart  the  viper's  feaft :.  worn  down  his  face, 
If  face  it  were  when  fcarce  the  fhrivelPd  Ikin     200.. 
Wrap'd  o'er  the  bone,proclaim'd  the  gnawing  pang : 
Inly  he  groan'd,  or  ftarting  wildly,  fhriek'd, 
Aye  as  the  fabric  tottering  from  its  bafe 
Threatened  deftrucVion,  tho'  oft  announc'd  withheld, 
Tho'  ftill  withheld,  expetfed.     Thefe  the  maid  205 
Mark'd  as  they  fteer'd  their  dufky  flight  along ; 
And  lo  !   fhe  was  amidft  them.     Paved  with  bones. 
The  floor  breath'd  peftilence  :.  the  emblazon'd  walls 
"With  enfigns  and  witkblood-ftain'd  arms  were  hung, 
The  trophies  of  Ambition.     On  his  throne        210, 
That  Form  portentous  rear'd  his  giant  bulk, 
More  huge  than  he,  wh-O  with  his  hundred  arms 

c'i 


SQ  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Scattered  confufion  o'er  the  hod  of  Gods- 
Briareus  :  or  the  monfter  brethren  twain, 
Whofe  ftature  fwelling  ev'ry  hour  gave  hopes  2 15  * 
Of  equalling  higheft  Heaven  :  nor  larger  he 
Illufive,  'gain  ft  whofe  head  the  thunderer  Thor 
Sped  fruftrate  his  full  force.     A  fable  helm   7 
Shades  his  brown  face,  where  glow'd  thro'  each- 

dark  tint 
The  fire  of  anger  ;  in  his  hand  he  grafp'd  220- 

The  defolating  fpear  :  his  broad  black  brow 
In  thought  contracted  fpake  his  brooding  foul. 
Sullenly  filent.     "  Maid  beloved  of  Heaven  ! 
(To  her  the  tutelary  Power  exclaim'd) 
Of  Chaos  the  adventurous  progeny  225 

Thou  feeft  ;  foul  miffionaries  of  foul  fire, 
Fierce  to  regain  the  loifes  of  that  hour  » 

When  Love  rofe  glittering,  and  his  gorgeous  wings 
Over  the  abyfs  flutter' d  with  fuch  glad  noife, 
As  what  time  after  long  and  peftful  Calms        230 
With  llimy  inapes  and  mifcreated  life 
Pois'ning  the  vaft  Pacific,  the  freih  breeze 
Wakens  the  merchant  fail,  uprifmg.     Night 
An  heavy  unimaginable  moan 
Sent  forth,  when  fhe  the  Protoplast  beheld     235 
Stand  beauteous  on  Confufion's  charmed  wave. 
Moaning  fhe  fled,  and  entered  the  Profound 
That  leads  with  downward  windings  to  the  Cave 
Of  darkaefs  palpable,  defart  of  Death, 
Sunk  deep  beneath  Gehenna's  marly  roots.        240 


BOOK  THE    SECOND.  ji 

There  many  a  datelefs  age  the  Beldame  lurk'd 
And  trembled  :  till  engender' d  by  fierce  Hate, 
Fierce  Hate  and  gloomy  Hope,  a  Dream  arofe 
Shap'd  like  a  blaek  cloud  mark'd  with  (breaks  of  firev 
It  rous'd  the  Hell-hag ;  fhe  the  dew-damps  wip'd 
From  off  her  brow,  and  thro'  the  uncouth  maze 
Retraced  her  fteps  ;  but  ere  fhe  reach'd  the  mouth 
Of  that  drear  labyrinth,  fhudd'ring  fhe  paus'd 
Nor  dar'd  re-enter  the  diminifh'd  Gulph. 
As  thro'  the  dark  vaults  of  fome  moulder'd  tower 
(Which  fearful  to  approach,  the  evening  hind 
Circles  at  diftance  in  his  homeward  way) 
The   winds  breathe  hollow,   deem'd  the  plaining 

groan 
Of  prifon'd  fpirits  ;  with  fuch  fearful  voice 
Night  murmur'd,  and  the  found  thro'  Chaos  went. 
Leapt  at  the  call  her  hideous-fronted  brood  ! 
A  dark  beheft  they  heard,  and  ruftYd  on  earth, 
Since  that  fad  hour  in  camps  and  courts  adored 
Rebels  from  God  and-Monarchs  o'er  Mankind  ! 
Thefe  are  the  fiends  that  o'er  thy  native  land     260 
Spread  Guilt  and  Horror.  Maid  belov'd  of  Heaven ! 
Dar'fl  thou  infpir'd  by  the  holy  flame  of  Love 
Encounter  fuch  fell  fhapes,  nor  fear  to  meet 
Their  wrath,  their  wiles  ?  O  Maiden,  dar'ft  thou  die  ? 

"  Father  of  Heaven  !  I  will  not  fear,"  fhe  faid, 
"  My  arm  is  weak,  but  mighty  is  thy  fword." 

She  fpake,  and  as  fhe  fpake  the  trump  was  heard 
That  echoed  ominous  o'er  the  ftreets  of  Rome, 


gas  J.'OAN   OF   AR-C 

When  the  firft.  Cefar  totter'd  o'er  the  grave 

By  Freedom  delv'd  :  the  tramp  whole  chilling  blafti 

On  Marathon  and  on  Platasa's  plain 

Scatter'd  the  Perfian.      From  his  obfcure  haunt 

Shriek'd  Fear,  the  ghaftlieft  of  Ambition's  throng, 

Fev'rifli,  yet  freezing,  eager-pac'd,  yet  flow ;. 

As  fhe  that  creeps  from  forth  her  fwampy  reeds  275 

Ague,  the  biform  Hag!  when  early  Spring 

Beams  on  the  marm-bred  vapours.    "  Lo  !  fhe  goes  ! 

T.o  Orleans  lo  !  fhe  goes— the  Miflion'd  Maid-! 

The  Viclor  Hofts  wither  beneath  her  arm! 

And  what  are.  Crecy,  Poidtiers,.  Azincour  28a 

But  noify  echoes  in  the  ear  of  Pride  ?" 

Ambition  heard  and  ftarted  on  his  throne  ; 

But  ftraight  a  fmile  of  favage  joy  illum'd 

His  grifly  features,  like  the  iheety  Burft. 

Of  Lightning  o'er  the  awaken'd  midnight  clouds  285; 

Wide-flafti'd.     For  lo  I.  a  flaming  pile  reflects 

Its  red  light  fierce  and  gloomy  on  the  face 

Of  Superstition  and  her  goblin  Son, 

Loud-laughing  Cruelty,  who  to  the  flake 

A  female  fix'd,  of  bold,  and  beauteous  mien,      290 

Her  fnow-white  limbs  by  iron  fetters  bruis'd, 

Her  breait  expos'd,     JOAN'fow,  fhe  faw  and  knew 

Her  perfect  image.     Nature  thro'  her.  frame 

One  pang  (hot  fhiv'ring-;  but,  that  frail  pang  foon 

Difmifs'd,  "Even  fo  (the  exulting  Maiden  faid)  295 

The  fainted  Heralds  of  Good  Tidings  fell, 

And  thus.they  witnefs'd  God  !  But  now  the  Clouds 


BOOK    THE    SECOim.  53 

Treading,  and  ftorms  beneath  their  feet,  they  foar 
Higher,  and  higher  foar,  and  foaring  ling 
Loud  Songs  of  Triumph  \  O  ye  Spirits  of  God,  30^ 
Hover  around  my  mortal  agonies  !" 
Shefpake  :  and  inftantly  faint  melody 
Melts  on  her  ear,  foothing,  and  fad,  and  flow, 
Such  meafures  as  at  calmy  midnight  heard 
By  aged  Hermit  in  his  holy  dream  305" 

Foretel  and  folace  death  t  and  now  they  rife 
Louder,  as  when  with  harp  and  mingled  voice 
The  white-rob'd  multitude  of  flaughter'd  Saints 
At  Heaven.' s  wide-open'd  portals  gratulant 
Receive  fome  martyr'd  Patriot.   The  harmony  310* 
Entranc'd  the  maid,  till  each  fufpended  fenfe 
Brief  (lumber  feiz'd  and  confused  ecftacy.. 
At  length  aWak'ning  flow  Hie  gaz'd  around  ;* 
But  lo  !  no  more  was  feen  the  ice-pil'd  mount 
And  meteor-lighted  dome.  An  Ifle  appear'd,     315 
Its  high,  o'erhanging,  roughs  broad-breafted  cliffy 
Glafs'd  on  the  fubjecT:  ocean.     A  vaft  plain, 
Stretch'd  oppofite,  where  ever  and  anon 
The  Ploughman  following  fad  his  meagre  team 
Turn'd  up  frefh  fkulls  unftartled,  and  the  bones  320 
Of  fierce,  hate-breathing  Combatants,  who  there 
All  mingled  lay  beneath  the  common  earth, 
Death's  gloomy  reconcilement !  O'er  the  fields 
Stepp'd  a  fair  Form  repairing  all  flie  might, 
Her  temples  olive-wreath' d;  and  where  flie  trod^ 
Frefh  flowerets  rofe  and  many  a  foodful  herb* 


S4  J'OAJSt  OF   u4RC. 

But  wan  her  cheek,  her  footfteps  infecure,. 
And  anxious,  pleafure  beam'd  in  her  faint  eye.. 
As  fhe  had  newly  left  a  couch  of  pain, 
Pale  Convalefcent !   (;Yet  fome  time  to  rule         33a' 
With  power  exclufive  o'er  the  willing  world,. 
That  blefl  prophetic  Mandate  then.  fulfill'd, 
Peace  be  on  earth  !)  An  happy  while  but  brief 
She  feem'd  to  wander  with  affiduous  feci, 
And  heal'd  the  recent  harm  of  chill  or  blight,  33^- 
And  nurs'd  each  plant  that  fair  and  virtuous  grew- 
But  foon,  a  deep  precurfive  found  moan'd  hollow  :. 
Black  rofe  the  clouds,  and  now,  £as  hi  a  dream) 
Their  redd'ning  (hapes  transformed  to  warrior,  hods,. 
Gours'd  o'er  the  Iky,  and  battled  in  mid  air.      340 
The  Sea  meantime  his  billows  darKeft  rcll'd, 
And  each  ftain'd  wave,  dafh'd  on  the  more  a  cor£e. 
Nor  didnot-the  large  blood-drops  fall  from. Heaven. 
Portentous  !  while  aloft  were  feen  to  float, 
His  hideous  features  blended  with  the  mift,        345 
The  long  black  lodes  of  Slaughter.  Peace  beheld, 
And  o'er  the  plain  with  oft-reverted  eye 
Fled,  till  a  place  of  tombs  me  reach'd,  and  there 
Within  a  ruin'd  fepulchre  obfeure 
Found  hiding-place..     The  delegated  Maid         350 
Gaz'd  thro'  her  tears,  then,  in  fad  tones  exclaim'd, 
**  Thou  mild-ey'd  Form  !   wherefore,  ah  !  wherefore- 
fled? 
The  name  of  Justice  written  on  thy  brow 
liefplendent  fhone  ;  but  all  they,,  who  unblam'd. 


BOOK    THE    SECOND.  33* 

Dwelt  in  thy  dwellings,  call  thee  Happiness.     355 
Ah  !  why  uninjur'd  and  unprofited 
Should  multitudes  againft  their  brethren  rufli  > 
Why  fow  they  guilt,  ftill  reaping  mifery  ! 
-Lenient  of  care,  thy  fongs,  O  Peace  !  are  fweet, 
As  after  fnowers  the  perfum'd  gale  of  Eve,        360 
That  plays  around  the  fick  man's  throbbing  temples ; 
And  gay  thy  graffy  altar  pil'd  with  fruits. 
But  boafts  the  fhrine  of  Demon  War  one  charm  ? 
Save  that  with  many  an  orgie  ftrange  and  foul 
Dancing  around  with  interwoven  arms  365 

The  Maniac  Suicide  and  Giant  Murder 
Exult  in  their  fierce  union  !  I  am  fad 
And  know  not  why  the  fimple  Peafants  crowd 
Beneath  the  Chieftain's  ftandard  !"  Thus  the  Maid. 
To  her  the  tutelary  Spirit  reply 'd,  37© 

"When  Luxury  and  Lull's  exhaufted  ftores 
No  more  can  roufe  the  appetites  of  Kings  ; 
When  the  low  flattery  of  their  reptile  Lords 
Falls  flat  and  heavy  on  the  accuftomed  ear  ; 
When  Eunuchs  fmg,and  Fools  buffoon'ry  make,  375 
And  Dancers  writhe  their  harlot  limbs  in  vain  : 
Then  War  and  all  its  dread  viciflitudes 
Pleafmgly  agitate  their  ftagnant  hearts, 
Its  hopes,  its  fears,  its  vi&ories,  its  defeats;, 
Infipid  Royalty's  keen  Condiment.  380 

Therefore,  uninjur'd  and  unprofited 
{Victims  at  once  and  executioners) 
The  congregated  hufbandmen  lay  wafts 


36  JOAN   OF   ARC, 

The  vineyard  and  the  harveft  :  as  along 
The  Bothnic  Coaft  or  fouthward  of  the  Line     385 
Tho'  hufh'd  the  winds,  and  cloudlefs  the  high  noon, 
Yet  if  Leviathan,  weary  of  eafe, 
In  fports  unwieldy  tofs  his  ifland  bulk* 
Ocean  behind  him  billows,  and,  before, 
A  ftorm  of  waves  breaks  foamy  on  the  (brand.  390 
And  hence  for  times  and  feafons  bloody  and  dark 
Short  Peace  fhall  ikin  the  wounds  of  caufelefs  War, 
And  War,  his  drained  finews  knit  anew, 
Still  violate  th*  unfinilhed  Works  of  Peace. 
But  yonder  look— for  more  demands  thy  view."  395 
He  faid  ;  and  ftraightway  from  the  oppofite  Ifle 
A  Vapor  rofe,  pierc'd  by  the  Maid-en's- eye. 
Guiding  its  courfe  Oppression  fat  within, 
With  terror  pale  and  rage,  yet  laugh' d  at  times 
Mufing  on  Vengeance  «  trembled  in  his  hand    400 
A  Sceptre  fiercely-grafp'd.     O'er  ocean  weftward 
The  Vapor  fail'd,  as  when  a  Cloud  exhal'd 
From  Egypt's  fields,  that  fteam  hot  Peftilence, 
Travels  the  fky  for  many  a  tracklefs  league, 
Till  o'er  fome  death-doom'd  Land  diftant  in  vain 
It  broods  incumbent.     Forthwith  from  the  Plain 
Facing  the  Ifle,  a  brighter  Cloud  arofe 
And  fteer'd  its  courfe  which  way  the  Vapor  went. 
Envy  fat  guiding— Envy,  hag  abhorr'd  ! 
Like  Justice  mafk'd,  and  doom'd  to  aid  the  fight 
Victorious  'gainfl  Oppression.     Hufh'd  awhile 
The  Maiden  paus'd,  mufing  what  this  might  mean  ; 


BOOK   THE    SECOND.  37 

But  long  time  pafs'd  not,  ere  that  brighter  Cloud 
Return'd  more  bright :  along  the  Plain  it  fwept ; 
And  foon  from  forth  its  burfting  fides  emerg'd  415 
A  dazzling  Form,  broad-bofom'd,  bold  of  Eye, 
And  wild  her  hair  fave  where  by  Laurels  bound. 
-Not  more  majeftic  ftood  the  healing  God 
When  from  his  Bow  the  arrow  fped,  that  flew 
Huge  Python.  Shriek' d  Ambition's  ghaftly  throng, 
And  with  them  thofe,  the  locuft  Fiends  thatcrawl'cl 
And  glitter'din  Corruption's  flimy  track. 
'Great  was  their  wrath,  for  fhort  they  knew  their 

reign. 
And  fuch  Commotion  made  they  and  Uproar 
As  when  the  mad  Tornado  bellows  thro*  425 

The  guilty  Iflands  of  the  weftern  main, 
What  time  departing  for  their  native  fhores, 
Eboe,  or  Koromantyn's  plain  of  Palms,  9 
The  infuriate  Spirits  of  the  Murder'd  make 
Fierce  merriment,  and  vengeance  afk  of  Heaven. 
Warm'd  with  new  Influence  the  unwholfome  Plain 
Sent  up  its  foulefl  fogs  to  meet  the  Morn  : 
The  Sun,  that  rofe  on  Freedom,  rofe  in  blood  ! 
"  Maiden  beloved,  and  Delegate  of  Heaven  ! 
(To  her  the  tutelary  Spirit  faid)  435- 

"  Soon  mail  the  Morning  ftruggle  into  Day, 
The  ftormy  Morning  into  cloudlefs  Noon. 
Much  haft  thou  feen,  nor  all  canfl  underftand— 
But  this  be  thy  beft  Omen,  Save  thy  Country  !" 
Thus  faying,  from  the  anfwering  Maid  he  pafs'd, 


38  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

And  with  him  difappear'd  the  goodly  Virion. 

"  Glory  to  thee,  Father  of  Earth  and  Heaven  1 
All-confcious  Presence  of  the  Univerfe  ! 
Nature's  vaft  ever-acting  Energy  ! 
In  will,  in  deed,  Impulse  of  All  to  all ;  445 

Whether  thy  Law  with  unrefracted  Ray 
Beam  on  the  Prophet's  purged  Eye,  or  if 
Difeafmg  Realms  the  Enthusiast  wild  of  thought 
Seatter  new  frenzies  on  the  infected  Throng, 
Thou  Bo.th  infpiring,  and  predooming  Both,     450 
Fit  Instruments  and  bed  of  perfect  End. 
Glory  to  thee,  Father  of  Earth  and  Heaven !" 

Return,  adven'trous  Song  !  to  where  Dunois 
With  eager  ear  heard  from  the  Maid  her  tale 
Of  early  youth  and  Million  from  on  high.  455 

And  now  beneath  the  Horizon  weft'ring  flow 
Had  funk  the  orb  of  Day  :  a  milder  Light 
Soften'd  the  fcene,  fading  thro'  every  hue 
Till  twilight's  deep'ning  mifts  o'erfhadow'd  all. 
The  trav'llers  wend,  beguiling  the  long  way      460 
With  converfe,  till  the  dewy  Damps  of  Night 
Rofe  round.     Far  off  a  glimm'ring  taper's  ray 
Gleam'd  thro'  the  embowered  gloom  :  to  that  they 

turn, 
An  aged  man  came  forth  ;  his  fcant  grey  locks 
Waved  on  the  night  breeze.  Time  had  written  deep 
On  his  fhrunk  face  the  characters  of  age. 
Them  louting  low  with  ruftic  courtefy 
He  welcom'd  in,  on  the  white-ember'd  hearth 


BOOR    THE    SECOND.  39 

Then  lieapt  frefti  fuel,  and  with  friendly  care 

Spread  out  the  homely  board  :  fatigued  they  eat  470 

The  country  cakes  and  quaff  the  nut-brown  bowl. 

"  Strangers,  your  fare  is  homely,"  faid  their  Hoft, 

a  But  fuch  as  we  poor  men  earn  with  hard  toil  1 

In  faith  ye  are  welcome  to  it.     I  do  love 

A  foldier,  my  old  heart  feems  young  again.      475 

Poor  and  decrepit  as  I  am,  my  arm 

Once  grafp'd  the  fword  full  firmly,  and  my  limbs 

Were  ftrong.  as  thine,  Sir  Warrior  !    God  be  with 

thee, 
And  fend  thee  better  fortune  than  old  Bertram  ! 
I  would  that  I  were  young  again  to  meet  480 

Thefe  haughty  Englifh  in  the  field  of  fight. 
Such  as  I  was  when  on  the  fatal  plain 
Of  Azfncour  I  met  them."     "  Wert  thou  then 
A  fharer  in  that  dreadful  day's  defeat  ?" 
Exclaim* d  the  Baftard,  "  didft  thou  know  the  chief 
Of  Orleans  ?"   "  Know  him  !"  the  old  veteran  cried, 
"  I  faw  him  ere  the  bloody  fight  began 
Riding  from  rank  to  rank,  his  beaver  up, 
The  long  lance  quivering  in  his  mighty  grafp. 
Full  was  his  eye  and  fierce,  yet  beaming  ftill     490 
On  all  his  countrymen  cheerful  and  mild, 
Winning  all  hearts.     Looking  at  thee,  Sir  Knight, 
Methinks  I  fee  him  now,  fuch  was  his  eye 
So  mild  in  peace,  fuch  was  his  manly  brow. 
Befhrew  me  but  I  weep  at  the  remembrance.*'  495 


4o  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

"  Full  was  his  eye,"  exclaim'd  the  Baftard  Son 
Of  Orleans,  "  yet  it  beam'd  benevolence. 
I  never  yet  faw  love  fo  dignified  ! 
There  lived  not  one  his  vaffal  but  adored 
The  good,  the  gallant  Chief.     Amid  his  halls  500 
High  blazed  the  hofpitable  hearth,  the  pilgrim 
Of  other  countries  feeing  his  high  towers   "  ° 
Rejoiced,  for  he  had  often  heard  of  Orleans  : 
He  lives,  my  brother  !   bound  in  the  hard  chain 
He  lives  moft  wretched."     The  big  tear  roll'd  down 
The  Warrior's  cheeks.   "  But  he  mail  live,  Dunois," 
Exclaim'd  the  Miflion'd  Maid,  "but  he  mail  live 
To  hear  good  tidings  ;  hear  of  Liberty, 
Of  his  own  liberty  by  his  brother's  arm 
Achiev'd  in  hard-fought  battle.     He  fball  live  51c 
Happy.     The  memory  of  his  prifon'd  years 
Shall  heighten  all  his  joys,  and  his  grey  hairs 
Go  to  the  grave  in  peace."     "  I  would  fain  live 
To  fee  that  day,"   replied  their  aged  hoft, 
"  How  would  my  heart  leap  once  more  to  behold  i 
The  gallant  generous  chieftain  !    I  fought  by  him 
When  all  the  hopes  of  victory  were  loft, 
And  down  his  batter'd  arms  the  blood  ftream'd  fall 
From  many  a  wound.     Like  wolves  thzf  hemm'd 

us  in 
Fierce  in  unhop'd  for  conqueft  :  all  around        52G 
Our  dead  and  dying  countrymen  lay  heap'd. 
Yet  flill  he  drove,  I  wonder'd  at  his  valor !. 
Was  not  a  man  that  on  that  fatal  day 


BOOK    THE    SECOND.  41 

Fought  bravelier."  "Fatal  was  that  day  to  France,'* 

Exclaim'd  the  Baftard,  "  there  Alencon  died     525 

Valiant  in  vain ;  and  he  the  haughty  chief 

D'Albert,  who  ralhly  arrogant  of  ftrength 

impetuous  rufiVd  to  ruin.     Brabant  fell, 

Vaudemont  and  Marie,  and  Bar,  and  Faquenberg, 

Her  nobleft  warriors  :  daring  in  defpair  530 

Fought  the  fierce  foe— ranks  fell  on  ranks  before 

them : 

The  prifoners  of  that  fhameful  day  out-fumm'd 

Their  vielors !"   ss 

"There  are  thofe,"  old  Bertram  cried, 

"  Who  for  his.  deeds  will  honor  Henry's  name. 

That  honor  that  a  conqueror  may  deferve  535 

He  merits,  for  right  valiantly  he  fought 

On  that  difaftrous  day  ;  but  when  the  field 

Was  won,  and  thofe  who  had  efcap'd  the  carnage 

Had  yielded  up  their  arms,  it  was  mod  foul 

On  his  defencelefs  prifoners  to  glut   *  •"  540 

The  blunted  fword  of  conqueft.     Girt  around 

I  to  their  mercy  had  furrendered  me, 

When  lo  \  I  heard  the  dreadful  groan  of  death — 

Not  as  amid  the  fray,  when  man  met  man 

And  in  fair  combat  gave  the  mortal  blow  ;         545 

Here  the  poor  captives,  weaponlefs  and  bound, 

Saw  their  ftern  victors  draw  again  the  fword, 

And  groan'd  and  (trove  in  vain  to  free  their  hands 

And  bade  them  think  upon  their  plighted  faith, 

And  pray'd  for  mercy  in  the  name  of  God         550 
Da 


42  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

In  vain  :  Their  King  had  bade  them  mauacre, 

And  in  their  helplefs  prifoners'  naked  breads 

They  drove  the  fword.     Then  I  expected  death, 

And  at  that  moment  death  was  terrible  ; 

For  the  heat  of  flight  was  over ;  of  my  home     55$ 

I  thought,  and  of  my  wife  and  little  ones 

In  bitternefs  of  heart,.     The  gallant  man, 

Whofe  by  the  chance  of  war  I  had  become, 

Had  pity,  and  he  loos'd  my  hands  and  faid, 

"  Frenchman  !  I  would  have  killed  thee  in  the  battle, 

But  my  arm  fhrinks  at  murder — get  thee  hence." 

"  It  was  the  will  of  Heaven  that  I  mould  live 

Childlefs  and  old  to  think  upon  the  paft 

And  wifh  that  I  had  perifh'd  !"    The  old  man 

Wept  as  he  fpake.    ".  Ye  may  perhaps  have  heard 

Of  the  hard  fiege  fo  long  by  Rouen  endur'd. 

I  dwelt  there  ftrangers,  I  had  then  a  wife 

And  I  had  children  tenderly  beloved, 

Who  I  did  hope  mould,  cheer  me  in  old  age 

And  clofe  mine  eyes.     The  tale  of  Mifery  570 

Mayhap  were  tedious,  or  I  could  relate 

Much  of  that  dreadful  fiege."     The  Maid  replied 

Anxious  of  that  devoted  town  to  learn. 

Thus  then  the  veteran--"  From  that  field  of  fhame 

To  France  fo  fatal,  Azincour  efcap'd  ;  575 

I  fpeeded  homewards  and  abode  in  peace. 

Henry  as  wife  as  brave  had  back  to  England  x  5 

Led  his  victorious  army  ;  well  aware 

That  France  was  mighty,  that  her  warrior  fons, 


BOOK    THE    SECOND.  43 

impatient  of  a  foreign  vigor's  fway,  580 

Might  rife  impetuous,  and  with  multitudes 
Tread  down,  the  invaders*     Wifely  he  return'd, 
For  the  proud  Barons  in  their  private  broils 
Wafted  the  ftrength  of  France.     I  dwelt  at  home 
Peaceful  though  lowly,  with  my  little  ftore  585 

Content.     I  lov'd  around  the  cheerful  hearth 
To  tell  of  all  the  perils  I  had  known  : 
My  children  they  would  fit  and  Men  eager, 
And  blefs.the  allrgood  Father  who  preferv'd  me. 

"  Ah  me — when  war  the  mafters  of  mankind,  590 
Woe  to  the  poor  man  !   If.  he  fow  the  field, 
He  fhall  not  reap,  the  harvefl :  if  he  fee 
His  blooming  children  rife  around,  his  heart 
Aches  at  the  thought  that  they  are  multiplied 
To.  the  fword  i  Again  from  England  the  fierce  foe 
RuftVd  on  our  ravag'd  coafts.     In  battle  bold, 
Savage  in  conqueft,  their  victorious  King 
Swept  like  the  defolating  tempefl  round. 
Dambiere's  fubmits— on  Caen's  fubjefted  walls 
Proudly  in  conqueft  wav'd  the  Englifh  flag.       600 
Bulwark  of  Normandy,  Rouen  ftill  remain' d  ; 
Nor  unrefifled  round  our  mafTy  walls 
Fix'd  they  their  camp.     I  need  not  tell  Sir  Knight 
How  oft  and  boldly  on  th'  invading  hoft 
We  burft  with  fierce  a/Fault  impetuous  forth  ;     605 
For  many  were  the  warrior  fons  of  Rouen.    x  4 
O'er  all  that  gallant  Citizen  was  fam'd 
For  virtuous  hardihood  pre-eminent 


44  JOAN   OP   ARC 

Blanchard.     He  gathering  his  compatriots  round, 

With  his  own  courage  kindling  every  breaft,      610 

Had  bade  them  vow  before  Almighty  God 

Never  to  yield  them  to  the  ufurping  foe    * s 

While  yet  their  arms  could  lift  the  fpear ;  while  yet 

.Life  was  to  think  of  every  pledge  that  man 

Moft  values.     To  the  God- of  Hofts  we  vow'd  ;  615 

And  we  had  baftled  the  befieging  power, 

But  our  cold-hearted  Foeman  drew  around 

His  ftrong  entrenchments;    From  the  watch-tower's- 

top 
In  vain  with  fearful  hearts  along  the  Seine 
We  ftrain'd  the  eye,  and  every  diftant  wave        62a 
That  in  the  fun-beam  glitter'd,  fondly  thought 
The  white  fail  of  fupply.     Ah  me  !  no  more 
Rofe  on  our  aching-  fight  the  food-fraught  bark ; 
For  guarded  was  the  Seine,  and  our  ftern  foe 
Had  made  a  league  with  Famine.  How  my  heart l  ° 
Sunk  in  me- when- at  night  I.  carried  home 
The  fcanty  pittance  of  to-morrow's  meal  ! 
You  know  not,  ftrangers  !  what  it  is  to  fee 
The  asking  eye  of  hunger  !   Still  we  ftrove 
Expecting  aid,  till  fickening  Expectation^  630 

Felt  never  hope,  and  yet  moft  keen  the  pang 
Of  difappomtmenu     Tho'  with  chriftian  zeal 
Vrfino  would  have  pour'd  the  balm  of  peace    "  7 
Into  our  wounds,  ambitious  ear  beft  pleas'd 
With  the  War's  clamor  and  the   groan  of  Deaths- 
Was  deaf  to  prayer.     Day  after  day  fled  on  ; 


BOOK    THE    SECOND.  4? 

We  heard  no  voice  of  comfort ;  never  aid 
Arriv'd.     And  now  the  loathlieft.  food  was  fought 
And  now  the  wretched  ones  lay  in  our  ftreets- 
Crying  for  food,  and  dying  as  they  cry'd—        640 
Oh  God  it  was  a  dreadful  fight  to  lee- ! 
Yet  ftill  we  ftruggled  nobly.     Blanch ard  Hill 
Spoke  of  the  favage  fury  of  the  foe, 
Of  captives  maffacred  at  Azmcour; 
Of  ravaged  Caen,  and  of  her  gallant  fons  645 

In  cold  blood  rnurder'd.    Then  his  fcanty  food   *  \ 
Sharing  with  the  moll  wretched,  he  would  bid  us, 
Bear  with  our  miferies  cheerly.     Thus  di&refs'd 
Left  all  fhould  perifh  thus,  our  chieftains  doom'd. 
The  helplefs  ones—dreadful  alternative, 
To  feek  their  fates.     I  never  fnall  forget 
The  horrors  of  that  hour  !  Oh  God  forbid 
That  my  worft  foe  fhould  ever  feel  fuch  pangs. 
Then  as  our  widow  wives  clung  round  our  necks,, 
And  the  deep  fob  of  anguifh  interrupted  65$ 

The  prayer  of  parting— even  the  pious  prieh; 
As  he  implor'd  his  God  to  ftrengthen  us, 
And  told  us  we  fhould  meet  again  in  Heaven^ 
He  groan'd  and  curs'd  in  hitternefs  of  heart   ia 
That  mercilefs  man.-The  wretched  crowd  pais'd  on : 
My  wife— my  children— thro'  the  gates  they  pafs'd — 
Then  the  gates  clos'd^— Would  I  were  in  my  grave 
That  I  might  lofe  remembrance.     What  is  man 
That  he  can  hear  the  groan  of  wretchednefs 
And  feel  no  fleihly  pang !  Why  did  the  All-Good 


45-  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Create  thefe  warrior  fcourges  of  mankind, 

Thefe  who  delight  in  flaughter  ?  I  did  think 

There  was  not  on  this  earth  a  heart  fo  hard 

Could  hear  a  famifli'd  Woman  cry  for  bread, 

And  know  no  pity.     As  the  outcafl  train  &1& 

Drew  near,  tlie  Englifh  Monarch  bade  his  troops 

Force  back  the  miferable  multitude.   ao 

They  drove  them  to  the  walls-^-it  was  the  depth 

Of  Winter — we  had  no  relief  to  grant. 

The  aged  ones  groan'd  to  our  foe  in  vain,  675 

The  mother  pleaded  for  her  dying  child 

And  they  felt  no  remorfe  !"      The  Miffion'd  Maid 

Starts  from  her  feat — "The  old  and  the  infirm 

The  mother  and  her  babes— and  yet  no  lightning 

Blafled  this  man  !"   "  Aye  Lady,"  Bertram  cried,. 

**  And  when  we  fent  the  herald  to  implore  * l 

His  mercy  on  the  helplefs,  he  relaxed 

His  flera  face  into  favage  merriment, 

Scoffing  their  agonies.     On  the  high  wall 

I  flood  and  mark'd  the  miferable  outcafts,  685. 

And  every  moment  thought  that  Henry's  heart, 

Hard  as  it  was,  mufl  feel.     All  night  I  ftood — 

Their  deep  groans  founded  on  the  midnight  gale. 

Fainter  they, grew,  for  the  cold  wintry  wind 

Blew  bleak  ;  fainter  they  grew,  and  at  the  laft  69.G. 

All  was  (till,  fave  that  ever  and  anon 

Some  mother  fhriek'd  o'er  her  expiring  child 

The  fhriek  of  frenzying  anguifh.      From  that  hour 

On  all.  the  bufy  turmoil  of  the  world 


300JC    TEE    SECOND.  47 

1  gaz'd  with  ftrange  indifference  ;  bearing  want  695 

"With  the  fick  patience  of  a  mind  worn  out. 

Nor  when  the  Traitor  yielded  up  our  town  zx 

Ought  heeded  I  as  through  our  ruin'd  ftreets, 

Thro'  putrid  iieaps  of  famifh'd  carcafTes 

Pafs'd  the  long  pomp  of  triumph.     One  keen  pang 

I  felt,  when  by  that  bloody  King's  command 

The  -gallant  Blanchard  died.     Calmly  he  died,    a } 

And  as  he  bow'd  beneath  the  axe,  thank' d  God 

That  he  had  done  his  duty.     I  furvive, 

A  folitary,  friendlefs,  wretched  one,  705 

Knowing  no  joy  fave  in  the  faith  I  feel 

That  I  fhall  foon  be  gather'd  to  my  fires, 

And  foon  repofe  there  where  the  wicked  ceafe 

From  troubling,  and  the  weary  are  at  reft." 

"And  happy,"  cried  the  delegated  Maid,       710 
-*'  And  happy  they  who  in  that  holy  faith 
Bow  meekly  to  the  rod  1  a  little  while 
;Shall  they  endure  the  proud  man's  contumely, 
The  hard  wrongs  of  the  great.     A  little  while 
Tho'  ihelterlefs  they  feel,  the  wintry  wind,  715 

The  wind  fhall  whittle  o'er  their  turf-grown  grave, 
And  all  beneath  be  peace.     But  woe  to  thofe, 
Woe  to  the  Mighty  Ones  who  fend  abroad 
Their  train'd  afTaflins,  and  who  give  to  Fury 
"The  flaming  firebrand  ;  thefe  indeed  fhall  live    720 
The  heroes  of  the  wand'ring  minftrel's  fong, 


48  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

But  they  have  their  reward  :  the  innocent  blood 
Steams  up  to  Heaven  againft  them.    God  fhall  hear 
The  widow's  groan.''     So  fpake  fhe  and  arofe, 
And  they  betook  them  to  their  homely  reft. 


BOOK   THE   THIRD, 


ARGUMENT. 

ti&UNOIS  and  the  Maid  arrive  at  Chlnon.  D  UNO  IS 
announces  the  Mijfion  of  JOAN.  Defpondency  and 
incredulity  of  the  King.  He  attempts  to  deceive  her. 
She  difcovers  and  addreffes  him.  CHARLES  fill 
incredulous  convenes  the  Doclors  of  Theology.  They 
ajfemlle  a?id  examine  the  Maid.  Event  of  that  Ex- 
amination. 

i  HE  early  fun  beams  on  the  latticed  cot ; 
XJp  fpring  the  travellers,  and  along  their  way 
Holding  high  converfe  fpeed.      So  as  they  pafs, 
Faft  by  a  fpring  that  welling  at  his  feet 
With  many  a  winding  crept  along  the  mead,         5 
A  Knight  they  faw.     He  at  his  plain  repaft 
Felt  the  Weft  wind  play  round  his  ungirt  brow. 
Him,  drawing  near  the  Baftard  recogniz'd, 
The  gallant  friend  of  Orleans,  the  brave  chief 
Du  Chattel  ;  and  the  mutual  greeting  pafs'd,       10 
They  on  the  ftreamlet's  moffy  brink  reclin'd, 
Paus'd  on  their  way,  the  frugal  fare  partook, 
E 


5o  JOAN   OF   ARC, 

And  drank  the  running  waters.     "  Art  thou  bound 
For  the  court, Dunois?"  exclaim*  d  the  aged  Knight, 
"  I  deem'd  thee  far  away,  coop'd  in  the  walls       15 
Of  Orleans  ;  a  hard  fiege  her  valiant  fons 
Right  loyally  endure."     "  I  left  the  town," 
Dunois  reply'd,  "  thinking  that  my  promprTpeed 
Might  feize  the  hoftile  ftores,  and  with  frefh  force 
Re-enter,     FaftolfFe's  better  fate  prevail'd,  zc 

And  from  the  field  of  fhame  my  maddening  horfe 
Bore  me,  for  the  barb'd  arrow  gor'd  his  flank. 
Fatigued  and  faint  with  that  day's  dangerous  toil, 
My  deep  wounds  bleeding,  vainly  with  weak  hand 
Check'd  I  the  powerlefs  rein.     Now  thus  reviv'd 
By  Heaven's  high  aid,  I  feek  the  Court,  and  thence 
To  that  beleager'd  town  (hall  lead  fuch  force 
That  the  proud  Englifh  in  their  fields  of  blood 
Shall  perifh."     "  I  too,"  Tannegui  reply'd,  x 
"  May  haply  in  the  battle  once  again  30- 

Serve  him  my  Royal  Matter  ;  in  his  caufe 
My  youth  adventur'd  much,  nor  can  my  age 
Find  better  clofe  than  in  the  clang  of  arms 
To  die  for  him  whom  I  have  liv'd  to  ferve. 
Thou  art  for  the  Court ;  Son  of  the  Chief  I  lov'd  ! 
pe  wife  by  my  experience.     JLook  not  thou 
For  happinefs  in  that  polluted  fcene. 
Thou  feelt  me  here,  Dunois,  a  banifh'd  man, 
A  not  unwilling  exile,  to  appeafe 
The  proud  and  powerful  Richemont,  who  long  time* 
Moil  flemly  jealous  of  the  royal  ear 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  $i 

With  midnight  murder  leagues,  and  down  the  Loire, 

Rolls  the  black  carcafs  of  his  ftrangled  foe^ 

Now  confident  of  ftrength  at  the  King's  feet 

He  (tabs  the  King's  beft  friends,  and  then  demands,* 

As  with  a  conqueror's  imperious  tone, 

The  poft  of  honor.     Son  of  that  lov'd  Chief 

tVhofe  death  my  arm  avenged,  may  thy  days 

Be  happy  j  ferve  thy  country  in  the  field, 

And  in  the  hour  of  peace  amid  thy  friends  °$q 

Dwell  thou  without  ambition."     So  he  fpake. 

But  when  the-  Baftard  told  the  wond'rous  tale, 

How  interpofmg  Heaven  had  its  high  aid 

Vouchfaf'd  to  France,  the  old  man's  eyes  flafli'd  fire, 

And  rifmg  from  the  bank,  the  {lately  freed         55 

That  grazM  befide  he  mounts.    "  Farewell,  Dunois, 

Thou  too  the  Delegate  of  Heaven,  farewell ! 

I  go  to  raife  the  ftandard — we  (hall  meet 

At  Orleans."     O'er  the  plain  he  fpurr'd  his  fteed. 

They  journey  on  their  way  till  Chinon's  towers   60 

Rofe  to  the  diflant  view  ;  imperial  feat 

Of  Charles,  for  Paris  with  her  fervile  fon§ 

A  headftrong,  mutable,  ferocious  race, 

Bow'd  to  the  invader's  yoke,  'fince  that  fad  hour 

When  Faction  o'er  herftreets  with  giant  ftride     65 

Strode  terrible,  and  Murder  and  Revenge,  - 

As  by  the  midnight  torch's  lurid  light  4 

They  mark'd  their  mangled   victims  writhe  con* 

vuh'-d, 
Liften'd  the  deep  death  groan.     Ill-fated  fcene  ! 


52  JOAN    OF  ARC. 

Thro*  many  a  dark  age  drench'd  with   innocent 
blood,  7a 

And  one  day  doom'd  to  know  the  damning  guilt 
Of  Brissot  murder' d,  and  the  blamelefs  wife 
Of  Roland  !    Martyr'd  patriots — fpirits  pure, 
Wept  by  the  good  ye  fell !  Yet  (till  furvives 
Sow'd  by  your  toil  and  by  your  blood  manur'd   75 
TV  imperifhable  feed,  foon  to  become 
That  Tree,  beneath  whofe  vaft  and  mighty  fhade. 
The  fons  of  men  (hall  pitch  their  tents  in  peace, 
Aiid  in  the  unity  of  truth  preferve 
The  bond  of  love.     For  by  the  eye  of  God         8a 
Hath  Virtue  fworn,  that  never  one  good  act 
Was  work'd  in  vain.     In  Paris  triumph'd  now 
Tii'  Invader.     On  a  cradled  infant's  head 
Hud  Bedford  placed  the  crown  of  Charlemagne,- 
And  factious  nobles  bow'd  the  fubject  knee  8£ 

In  homage  to  their  King,  their  Sovereign  Lord, 
Their  baby  Mighty  One.     "  Belov'd  of  Heav'n," 
So  fpake  the  Son  of  Orleans  as  they  pafs'd, 
"  Lo  thefe  the  walls  of  Chinon,  this  the  abode 
Of  Charles  our  monarch.     Here  in  revelry  90 

He  of  his  armies  vanquihVd,  his  fair  towns 
Subdu'd,  hears  carelefs  and  prolongs  the  dance. 
And  little  marvel  I  that  to  the  cares 
Of  empire  ftill  he  turns  the  unwilling  ear, 
For  lofs  on  lofs,  defeat  upon  defeat,  95 

His  ftrong  holds  taken,  and  his  braveft  Chiefs 
Or  dead  or  captur'd,  and  the  hopes  of  youth 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  53 

All  blafled,  have  fubdu'd  the  royal  mind 
Undifciplin'd  in  Fortitude's  ftern  fchool. 
So  may  thy  voice  aroufe  his  fleeping  virtues  I"  100 
.The  mifllon'd  Maid  reply'd,  <*  Go  thou,  Dunois, 
Announce  my  mifiibn  to  the  royal  ear. 
I  on  the  river's  winding  banks  the  while 
Would  roam,  collecting  for  high  enterprize 
My  thoughts,  troubled  tho'  firm.  He  who  efTays  105 
Achievements  of  vaft  import,  will  perforce 
Feel  his  heart  heave  $  and  in  my  bread  I  feel 
Such  perturbation."     On  the  banks  of  Vienne 
Devious  the  Damfel  turn'd.     Thro'  Chinon's  gates 
The  Son  of  Orleans  prefs'd  with  rapid  ftep         no 
Seeking  the  King.     Him  from  the  public  view- 
He  found  fecluded  with  his  blamelefs  Queen, 
And  her  partaker  of  the  unlawful  bed, 
The  lofty-minded  Agnes.     "  Son  of  Orleans !"  s 
So  as  he  enter'd  cried  the  haughty  fair,  nc 

u  Thou  art  well  come  to  witnefs  the  difgraee, 
The  weak,  unmanly,  mean  defpondency 
Of  this  thy  Sovereign  Liege.     He  will  retreat 
To  diftant  Dauphine,  and  fly  the  war  I 
Go,  then,  unworthy  of  thy  rank  !  retreat  120 

To  diftant  Dauphine,  and  fly  the  war, 
Recreant  from  Battle  !   I  will  not  partake 
A  fugitive's  fate,  but  to  my  home  returning 
In  bitternefs  of  memory  curfe  the  hour 
When  to  a  coward  bafely  I  refign'd  125 

My  virgin  worth."     «  Nay  Agnes,"  Charles  replied, 


54  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

"  Add  not  the  anguifh  of  thy  keen  reproach ! 
I  have  enough  of  iorrow.     Look  around, 
See  this  fair  country  ravag'd  by  the  foe, 
My  ftrong  holds  taken,  and  my  braved  Chiefs    130 
Fall'n  in  the  field,  or  captives  far  away. 
Dead  is  the  Douglas— cold  thy  warrior  frame, 
Illuftrious  Buchan  ;  ye  from  Scotland's  hills, 
Not  mindlefs  of  your  old  ally  diftrefs'd, 
RnhVd  to  his  fuccour  :  in  his  caufe  ye  fought,    13^ 
Ye  periih'd.     Gallant,  rafh,  ill-deftin'd  Narbonne  ! 
Thy  mangled  corfe  waves  to  the  winds  of  Heaven. 
Cold,  Graville,  is  thy  fmewy  arm  in  death. 
Fall'n  is  Ventadaur.     Silent  in  the  grave 
Rambouillet  fleeps.     Bretagne's  unfaithful  chief  140 
Leagues  with  my  foes,  and  Richemont  or  in  arms 
Defies  my  weak  control,  or  from  my  fide, 
(A  friend  more  dreaded  than  the  enemy) 
Drives  my  beft  fervants  with  the  affaflin  fword. 
Soon  muft  the  towers  of  Orleans  fall.     But  now  1 45 
Thefe  fad  thoughts  boot  not.  Welcome  to  our  court, 
Dunois !   We  yet  can  give  the  friendly  feaft, 
And  from  the  heavy  cares  of  empire  win 
One  hofpitable  day  of  merriment. " 

The  Chief  reply'd,  "  So  may  thy  future  years 
Pafs  from  misfortune  free,  as  all  thefe  ills 
Shall  vanifh  like  a  vifion  of  the  night ! 
To  thee,  to  France  I  come  the  meffenger 
Of  aid  from  Heaven.     The  delegated  Maid 
With  me,  whom  Providence  all-wife  decrees      155 


BO&K    THE    THIRD.  $jf 

The  faviour  of  the  realm.    Me,  gafh'd  with  wounds*, 
And  in  mine  own  blood  fenfeiefs  on  the  plain^ 
This  more  than  mortal,  with  leleftial  touch,- 
Woke  to  new  life."     Aftonifh'd  by  his  fpeech- 
Stood  Charles.     "  At  one  of  meaner  eftimation  1 60 
I.  ihould  have  fm  il'dy  Dunois.     Thy  well-known 
The  loyalty  of  all  thy  noble  houfe,  [y/ortlv 

Compel  me  even-  to  this  a  moft  ftrange  tale 
To  lend  a  ferious  ear.     A  woman  fent 
From  Heaven,  the  Saviour  of  this  wafted  realm,  165. 
Whofe  magic  touch  awoke  thee  to  new  life 
When  gafh'd  with  wounds  and  fenfeiefs  I   Son  of 

Orleans, 
111  now  befeems  ought  hazardous.     My  flate 
Totters  upon  deftruclion.     Is  my  perfon 
Known  to  this  woman  ?"     "  She  has  liv'd  retir'd>,r 
The  Baftard  anfwer'd,  "  ignorant  of  courts, 
And  little  heeding,  till  the  Spirit  of  God 
Rous'd  her  to  this  great  work."     To  him  the  King, 
"  She  knows  not  then  my  perfon.     Thou,  Dunois, 
Lead  here  the  Maiden.     On  the  throne  meantime, 
I  the  while  mingling  with  the  menial  throng, 
Some  courtier  fnall  be  feated.     If  this  Maid    / 
Be  by  the  holy  fpirit  of  God  infpir'd, 
That  holy  fpirit  will  gift  her  with  the  power 
To  pierce  deception.     But  if  ftrange  of  mind     180 
Enthufiaft  fancy  fire  her  wilder'd  brain, 
Thus  prov'd,  fhe  to  obfcurity  again 
May  guiltlefsly  retire.     Our  Englifh  foes 
Might  well  exult  to  fee  the  fons  of : France 


$6  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Led  by  a  frenzied  female."     So  he  faid  ;  185 

And  confident  in  faith  the  fon  of  Orleans 
Sought  on  the  banks  oT  Vienne  the  miffion'd  Maid. 

Soon  is  the  court  conven'd  ;  the  jewelPd  crown 
Shines  on  a  menial's  head.     Amid  the  throng 
The  Monarch  ftands,  and  anxious  for  the  event,  190 
His  heart  beats  high.  She  comes — the  infpir'd  Maid ! 
And  as  the  Baftard  led  her  to  the  throne, 
Quick  glancing  o'er  the  mimic  Majefty, 
Fix'd  full  her  eye  on  Charles.     *  Thou  art  the  King. 
I  come  the  avenging  Delegate  of  Heaven,  195 

Wielding  the  wrathful  weapon,  from  whofe  death, 
Their  ftern  hearts  palfied  by  the  arm  of  God, 
Far,  far  from  Orleans  fhall  the  Englifh  wolves 
Speed  their  difaftrous  flight.     Monarch  of  France  ! 
Spread  the  good  tidings  through  thy  ravag'd  realm. 
The  Maid  is  come — the  miflion'd  Maid— whofe  hand 
Shall  in  the  confecrated  walls  of  Rheims 
Place  on  thy  head  the  crown."     In  wonder  mute 
The  courtiers  heard.  The  aftoniuVd  King  exclaim'd, 
u  This  is  indeed  the  agency  of  Heaven  !  205 

Hard,  Maiden,  were  I  of  belief,"  he  cried, 
"  Did  I  not  now  with  full  and  confirm'd  faith 
Thee  the  redeemer  of  this  ravag'd  realm 
Believe.     Not  doubting  therefore  the  ftrange  will 
Of  the  All- Wife,  northofe  high  miracles  210 

Vouch'd  by  the  Son  of  Orleans,  do  I  now 
Delay  to  marihal  the  brave  fons  of  France 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  57 

Beneath  thy  banners;  but  to  fatisfy 

Thofe  who  at  diftance  from  this  moft  clear  proof 

May  hear  and  difbelieve,  or  yield  at  beft  2I£ 

A  cold  affent.     Thefe  fully  to  confirm 

And  more  to  manifefl  thy  holy  power, 

Forthwith  with  all  due  fpeed  I  ft  all  convene- 

The  Doctors  of  Theology,  wife  men 

And  fkilful  in  the  myfleries  of  Heaven,  22a 

By  thefe  thy  miflion  ftudied  and  approv'd- 

As  needs  it  muft  be  ;  of  thefe  holy  men 

The  fanclion  to  the  dubious  minds  of  alL 

Shall  bring  conviction,  and  the  firm  belief 

Lead  on  thy  favor' d  troops  to  mightieft  deeds,    22£ 

SurpafHng  human  credibility." 

Well  pleas'd  the  Maiden  heard.     Her  the  King 
leads- 
From  the  difbanding  throng,  meantime  to  dwell 
With'  Mary..    Watchful  for  her  Lord's  return 
She  fat  with  Agnes.     Agnes  proud  of  heart,.     23a 
Majeftically  fair,.whofe  large  full  eye 
Or  flafhing  anger,  or  with  fcornful  fcowl 
Deform'd  her  beauteous  features.     Yet  with  her 
The  lawlefs  idol  of.  the  Monarch's,  heart,, 
Mary,  obedient  to  her  husband's  will>v  2.3 5* 

Dwelt  peaceful,  from  the.  proudly  generous  mind 
Of  Agnes  winning  friendfhip*      Soon  the  Maid 
Lov'd  the  mild  Queen*,  and  fojourning.  with  her,- 
Expech  the  folemn  fummons-    Thro'  the  realm 
Meantime  the  King's  convoking  voice  was  heard*. 


J*  JOAN   OF  ARC. 

And  from  their  palaces  and  monafteries 
Swarm'd  forth  the  Doctors,  men  acute  and  deep? 
Grown  grey  in  ftudy  ;  Priefts  and  Bifhops  hafte 
To  Chinon. — Teachers  wife  and  with  high  names, 
Seraphic,  Subtile,  or  Irrefragable,  245 

By  their  admiring  pupils  dignified1. 

Nor  Superstition  to  embrace  the  hour 
Neglects.     She  haftehs  from  the  EnglifrY  courts 
Where  mad  Ferocity  led  the  holy  war, 
Arm'd  with  the  mitred  helmet.     By  her  fide     256 
Inanely  learn'd,  came  reverend  Ignorance, 
His  grey  eye  large  and  raylefs  ;  o'er  his  beads 
Aye  wont  to  mutter  forth  the  drowfy  prayer. 
And  meet  companion  came  with  thefe  the  form 
Of  Cruelty,  like  monk  Dominican  255 

His  garb.     One  hand  Tertullian's  volume  grafp'd, 
Volume  beloved  !   and  high  the  other  rear'd 
The  thirfty  fword,  whofe  impious  hilt  difplay'd 
The  crofs.     Thefe  join'd  the  theologic  train. 

TheDo<3sors  met — from  cloifter  gloom  reclufe  260 
Or  from  the  haunts  luxurious  of  the  abode, 
Epifcopal  they  met,  and  fought  the  place 
Of  judgment.     Very  ancient  was  the  dome, 
The  floor  with  many  a  monumental  ftone 
O'erfpread,  and  brafs-enfculptur'd  efiigy  265 

Of  holy  abbots  honor' d  in  their  day, 
Now  to  the  grave  gone  down.   The  branching  arms 
Of  many  a  ponderous  pillar  met  aloft, 
Wreath'donthe  roof  embofs'd.  The  windows  gleam'd 


BOOK   THE    THIRD.  S9 

Awful  and  dim  their  many-colour'd  light 

Thro*  the  rich  robes  of  Eremites  and  Saints, 

Trees,  mountains,  caftles,  fhips,  fun,  moon,  and  ftars, 

Splendid  confufion  1  the  pure  wave  beneath 

Reflects  and  trembles  in  the  purpling  beam. 

.On  the  altar  burns  that  my ftic  lamp  whofe  flame  275 

May  not  be  quench'd.     Circling  round  the  vafe 

They  &ow  the  knee,  uttering  the  half-heard  prayer  % 

Myfterious  power  communicating  thus 

To  the  hallowed  water,  deem'd  a  mightier  fpell 

O'er  the  fierce  fiends  of  Satan's  fallen  crew,       280 

Than  e'er  the  hell-hags  taught  in  Theffaly, 

Or  they  who  fitting  on  the  rifled  grave, 

"Seen  by  th'  exhalations  lurid  light, 

Bartake  the  Vampire's  banquet.     This  perform'd, 

The  Maid  is  fummon'd.     Round  the  holy  vafe  285 

Mark'd  with  the  myftic  tonfure  and  enrob'd 

In  facred  veils,  a  venerable  train 

They  ftand.     The  delegated  Maid  obeys 

Their  fummons.     As  fhe  came  a  lovelieft  blufh 

O'er  her  fair  cheek  fuffus'd,  fuch  as  became       290 

One  mindful  &1I1  of  maiden  modefly, 

Tho*  of  her  own  worth  eonfcious.     Thro'  the  aifle 

The  cold  wind  moaning  as  it  paft'd  along 

Wav'd  her  dark  flowing  locks.     Before  the  train 

In  reverend  filence  waiting  their  lage  will,         295 

With  half  averted  eye  fhe  flood  compos'd.- 

So  have  I  feen  the  fimple  fnow-drop  rife 

Amid  the  ruffe t  leaves  that  hide  the  earth 


tfo  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

•In  early  fpring,  fo  feen  its  gentle  bend 

Of  modeft  lovelinefs  amid  the  wafte  300 

Of  defolation.     By  the  maiden's  fide 

Proud  in  conviction  flood  the  warrior  Son 

Of  Orleans,  to  avow  his  deep  wounds  heal'd 

'By  power  miraculous  vouchfafd  from  Heaven 

To  her  the  infpir'd  damfel.     As  he  flood,         305 

Viewing  with  fteadyeye  the  magic  rites 

Of  preparation,  thus  the  arch  Prieft  fpake 

Severe.    ■"  Woman,  if  any  fiend  of  hell 

<Lurk  in  thy  bofom  fo  to  prompt  the  vaunt 

Of  infpiration,  and  to  mock  the  power  31G 

Of  God  and  holy  church,  thus  by  the  virtue 

Of  water  hallow'd  by  the  name  of  God 

That  damned  fpirit. adjure  I  to  depart 

Prom  his  poffeffed  prey.     Detected  thus 

Thy  impious  wiles,  to  th'  ecclefiaftic  arm  31.5 

Thou  muft  deliver'd  purge  in  flames  the  crime 

-Atrocious. "     Thus  he  fpajce,   and  dafh'd  the  wave 

With  hand  unfparing<on  the  virgin's  face : 

2?he  water  fhone  upon  her  glowing  cheek 

Like  morning  dew-drops  on  the  opening  rofe.    320 

indignant  at  th'  .unworthy  charge  the  Maid 

Felt  her  cheek  flufh,  but  foon  the  tranfient  glow 

Fading,  ihe  anfwer'd  .meek.     "  Moft  holy  Sires, 

.Ye  reverend  Fathers  of  the  Chriftian  church 

Moft  catholic!  before  your  view  I  ftand  32  J 

A  poor  weak  woman.     Of  the  grace  vouchfaf 'd, 

How  far  .unworthy  c-onfcious  :  yet  tho'  mean, 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  61 

Guiltlefs  of  ill,  and  chofen  by  higheft  Heaven 

The  minifter  of  aid.     Strange  voices  heard, 

The  dark  and  fhadowing  vifions  of  the  night,    330 

And  that  miraculous  power  that  thro'  the  frame, 

Then  gor'd  with  wounds  and  fenfelefs,  of  Dunois, 

Pour'd  rapid  the  full  tide  of  life  and  health, 

Thefe  portents  make  me  confcious  of  the  God 

Within  me— he  who  gifted  my  purg'd  eye  335 

To  know  the  Monarch  'mid  the  menial  throng, 

Unfeen  before.     Thus  much  it  boots  to  fay, 

The  life  of  fimple  virgin  ill  deferves 

To  call  your  minds  from  ftudies  wife  and  deep, 

Not  to  be  fathom'd  by  the  weaker  fenfe  340 

Of  man  profane."     Blufhing  the  Maiden  fpake. 

Thus  then  the  Father  :  "  Brethren,  ye  have  heard 

The  woman's  tale.     Befeems  us  now  to  afk 

Whether  of  holy  church  a  duteous  child 

Before  our  court  appears,  fo  not  unlike  345 

Heaven  might  vouchfafe  its  gracious  miracle  : 

Or  filly  heretic  whole  erring  thoughts 

Monftrous  and  vain  perchance  might  ftray  beyond 

All  reafon,  and  conceit  ftrange  dreams  and  figns 

Impoffible  ?    Say,  woman,  from  thy  youth  350 

Hail  thou  (as  rightly  mother  church  demands) 

To  holy  Prieft  confefs'd  each  fecret  fin, 

So  purg'd  by  grace  to  him  vouchfaf'd  from  Heaven 

Of  abfolution  ?"     "  Father,"  (he  replied, 

0  In  foreft  fhade  my  infant  years  train' d  up  355 

Knew  not  devotion's  forms.     The  chaunted  mafs, 
F 


6z  JOAN   OF    ARC, 

The  filver  altar  and  religious  robe, 
The  myftic  wafer  and  the  hallowed  cup, 
Gods  prieft.- created,  are  to  me  unknown. 
Beneath  no  high  arch'd  roof  I  bow'd  in  prayer,  360 
No  folemn  light  by  ftoried  pane  difguis'd, 
No  trophied  pillars,  and  no  imag'd  crofs 
Wak'd  my  young  mind  to  artificial  awe, 
To  fear  the  God  I  only  learnt  to  love. 
I  faw  the  eternal  energy  pervade  365 

The  boundlefs  range  of  nature,  with  the  Sun 
Pour  life  and  radiance  from  his  flamy  path, 
And  on  the  lowlieft  flowret  in  the  field 
The  kindly  dew-drops  fhed.     All  nature's  voice 
Proclaim'd  the  all-good  Parent ;  nor  myfelf      3 70 
Deem'd  I  by  him  neglected,     This  good  Power 
My  more  than  Father  taught  my  youth  to  know, 
Knowing  to  love,  and  loving  to  adore. 
At  earliefl  morn  to  him  my  grateful  heart 
Pour'4  forth  the  unftudied  prayer,  that  fpake  my 
thanks  375 

For  mercies  oft  vouchfaf'd,  and  humbly  afk'd 
Protection  yet  to  come.    Each  flower,  that  bloom'd 
Expanding  in  the  new-born  fpring,  call'd  forth 
The  foul  of  full  devotion.     Every  morn 
My  foaring  fpirit  glorified  the  God  380 

Of  light,  and  every  evening  thank'd  the  Power 
Preferving  thro'  the  day.     For  fins  confefi 
To  holy  Prieft  and  abfolution  given 
I  knew  them  not ;  for  ignorant  of  fin 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  63 

Why  fhould  I  feek  forgivenefs  ?  Of  the  points     385 

Abftrufe  of  nice  religion,  aud  the  bounds 

Subtile  and  narrow  which  confine  the  path 

Of  orthodox  belief,  my  artlefs  creed 

Knew   nought.     'Twas   nature  taught   my   early 

youth 
Religion— Nature  bade  me  fee  the  God  390 

Confeft  in  all  that  lives,  and  moves,  and  is." 

She  fpake  energic.     The  full  force  of  truth 
Breath'd  from  her  lips.     Appall'd  the  Doctors  flood 
In  vacant  wonder,  liftening  to  the  founds 
Unwonted  ;  till  at  laft  a  Prieft  replied  :  395 

"  Woman,  of  holy  church  thou  feem'ft  to  feorn 
Profane  the  mighty  power ;  nay  more,  thy  lips 
Confefs  that  Nature  taught  thee  thy  religion. 
This  is  heretical,  and  thou  thyfelf 
Haft  proved  it  impious  j  for  thou  haft  declared  400 
MafTes  and  abfolution,  and  the  ufe 
Of  myftic  wafer  are  to>  thee  unknown. 
How  then  could  nature  teach  thee  true  religion, 
Depriv'd  of  thefe  I  Nature  can  teach  to  fin, 
But  'tis  the  Prieft  alone  can  teach  remorfe,         405 
Can  bid  St.  Peter  ope  the  gates  of  Heaven, 
And  from  the  penal  fires  of  purgatory 
Abfolve  the  foul.     Could  nature  teach  thee  this  ? 
Or  tell  thee  that  St.  Peter  holds  the  keys, 
And  that  his  fucceffors-'  unbounded  power         410 
Extends  o'er  either  world  ?    Altho'  thy  life 
Of  fm  were  free,,  if  of  this  holy  truth 


64  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Ignorant,  thy  foul  in  liquid  flames  muft  rue 

Tranfgreflion."    Thus  he  fpake,  the  applauding  look 

Went  round.     Nor  dubious  to  reply  the  Maid    415 

Was  filent.     "  Fathers  of  the  holy  church, 

If  on  thefe  points  abftrufe  a  iimple  maid 

Like  me,  fhould  err,  impute  not  you  the  crime 

To  felf-will'd  wifdom,  vaunting  its  own  ftrength 

Above  Omnipotence.     'Tis  true  my  youth,        420 

Conceal'd  in  foreft  gloom,  knew  not  the  found 

Of  mafs  high  chaunted,  nor  with  trembling  lips 

I  touch'd  the  myftic  wafer :  yet  the  Bird 

That  to  the  matin  ray  prelufive  pour'd 

His  joyous  fong,  methought  did  warble  forth    425 

Sweeter  thankfgiving  to  Religion's  ear 

In  his  wild  melody  of  happkiefs* 

Than  ever  rung  along  the  high-arch'd  roofs 

Of  man.     Yet  never  from  the  bending  vine 

Pluck'd  I  its  ripen'd  clufters  thanklefsly,  43Q 

Of  that  good  God  unmindful  who  beftow'd 

The  bloodlefs  banquet.     Ye  have  told  me,  Sires, 

That  nature  only  teaches  man  to  fin  ! 

If  it  be  fin. to  feek  the  wounded  lamb, 

To  bind  its  wounds,  and  bathe  them  with  my  tears, 

This  is  what  Nature  taught  !   No,  Reverends  !  no, 

It  is  not  Nature  that  can  teach  to  fin  : 

Nature  is  all  Benevolence— all  Love, 

All  Beauty  !     In  the  greenwood's  fimple  fhade 

There  is  no  vice  that  to  the  indignant  cheek     44Q 

Bids  the  red  current  rufti,     No  mifery  there-- 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  6$ 

No  wretched  mother,  that  with  pallid  face 
And  famine-falPn,  hangs  o'er  her  hungry  babes, 
With  fuch  a  look,  fo  wan,  fo  woe-begone, 
As  fliall  one  day,  with  damning  eloquence,       44^ 
Againft  the  mighty  plead  !    Nature  teach  fin  ! 
O  blafphemy  againft  the  Holy  One, 
Who  made  us  in  the  image  of  himfelf, 
Who  made  us  all  for  Happinefs  and  Love, 
Infinite  happinefs — infinite  love,  450 

Partakers  of  his  own  eternity," 

Solemn  and  flow  the  reverend  Prieft  replied, 
"  Much,  woman,  do  I  doubt  that  all-wife  Heaven 
Would  thus  vouchfafe  its  gracious  miracles 
On  one  fore-doom'd  to  mifery  ;  for  fo  doom'd   455 
Is  that  deluded  one,  who,  of  the  mafs 
Unheeding,  and  the  Church's  faving  power, 
Deems  nature  finlefs.     Therefore,  mark  me  well1, 
Brethren,  I  would  propofe  this  woman  try 
The  holy  ordeal.     Let  her,  bound  and  ftript,    460 
(Left  haply  in  her  clothes  mould  be  conceal'd 
Some  holy  relic  fo  profan'd)  be  caft 
In  the  deep  pond  ;  there  if  fhe  float,  no  doubt 
Some  fiend  upholds,  but  if  (he  inftant  fink 
O'erwhelm'd,  fure  iign  that  Providence  difplays  465: 
Her  free  from  witchcraft.     This  done,  let  her  walk 
Blinded  and  bare  o'er  ploughfhares  heated  red, 
And  o'er  thefe  paft,  her  naked  arm  plunge  deep 
In  fcalding  water.     If  from  thefe  fhe  pafs 
Unhurt,  to  holy  father  of  the  church 


66  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Moft  bleiTed  Pope,  we  then  refer  the.caufe 

For  judgment :  and  this  Chief,  the  Son  of  Orleans, 

Heal'd,  as  he  fays,  even  at  the  point  of  death, 

By  her  miraculous  touch,  fhall  pafs  with  her 

The  facred  trial."     "  Grace  of  God  V  exclaimed 

The  aftonifli'd  Baftard  ;  "  Plunge  me  in  the  pool, 

O'er  red-hot  ploughfhares  make  me  dance  to  pleafe 

Your  dotard  fancies !    Fathers  of  the  church, 

Where  is  your  gravity  ?  what  elder-like 

This  fairer  than  Sufannah  would  you  eye  ?         480 

Ye  call  for  ordeals — and  I  too  demand 

The  nobleft  ordeal,  on  the  Englifh  hoft 

To  prove  in  victory  the  million  fent 

From  favoring  Heaven,     To  the  Pope  refer 

For  judgment !   Know  ye  not  that  France  even  now 

Stands  tottering  on  deftru&ion  !"    Starting  wild, 

With  a  ftrange  look,  the  miffion'd  Maid  exclaim'd, 

"  The  fword  of  God  is  here  !  the  grave  ihall  fpeak 

To  manifeft  me  !"    Even  as  me  fpake, 

A  pale  blue  flame  rofe  from  the  trophied  tomb  490 

Befides  her,     A  deep  filence  thro*  the  dome 

Dwelt  awful.     Sudden  from  that  houfe  of  death 

The  clafli  of  arms  was  heard,  as  tho'  within 

The  fhrouded  warrior  Ihook  his  mailed  limbs, 

"Hear  ye,"  theDamfel  cried;  "thefe  are  the  arms 
That  (hall  flafti  terror  o'er  the  hoftik  hoft. 
Thefe,  in  the  prefence  of  our  Lord  the  King, 
And  the  afTembled  people,  I  fhall  take 
From  this  the  fepulchre,  where  many  an  age 


BOOK    THE    THIRD.  67 

Incorruptible  they  have  Iain  conceal'd,  500 

Deftin'd  for  me,  the  Delegate  of  Heaven," 
Recovering  from  amaze,  the  Pried  replied  : 
"  Thou  art  indeed  the  Delegate  of  Heaven  ! 
What  thou  haft  faid  furely  thou  fhalt  perform  i 
We  ratify  thy  million.     Go  in  peace," 


BOOK  THE   FOURTH, 


ARGUMENT. 

A  Mejjenger  arrive?  from  (frlcans,  reprefenting  the  Dif- 
trefs  of  that  city,  and  fequejl'mg  wmiediate  fuccours. 
JOAN,  in  the  prefence  of  the  King  and  ajfembled 
people,  takes  the  armour  of  Orlando  from  his  tomb  in 
the  church  of  St,  Catharine  of  Fierbois.  Strange 
conducl  of  the  Mejjenger.  The  Maid  recognizes  him* 
She  meets  tvith  Theodore.  Returns  defpondently  to 
the  palace,  aud  after  exprejfing  her  difgujl  at  the  //'- 
eentidufnefs  of  the  court,-  annoimces  her  intention  of 
marching  on  the  7Jtorro<w  to  relieve  Orleans. 

X  HE  feaft  was  fpread — the  fparkling  bowl  went 

round, 
And  to  the  a/Tembled  court  the  minftrel  harp'd 
The  fong  of  other  days.     Sudden  they  heard 
The  horn's  loud  blaft,     "  This  is  no  time  for  cares,. 
Feaft  ye  the  meifenger  without,"  cried  Charles,    5 
•*  Enough  is  given  of  the  wearying  day 
To  the  public  weal."     Obedient  to  the  King. 
The  guard  invites  the  traveller  to  his  fare. 
"  Nay,  I  lliall  fee  the  monarch,."  he  replied* 


BOOK    THE    FOURTH,  66 

"  And  he  fh'all  hear  my  tidings,  duty-urg'd  :  10 

For  many  a  long  league  have  I  haften'd  on, 
Not  now  to  be  repell'd."     Then  with  ftrong  arm 
Removing  him  who  barr'd  his  onward  way, 
The  hall  he  enters.     "  King  of  France  !   I  come 
From  Orleans,  fpeedy  and  effectual  aid  i> 

Demanding  for  her  gallant  garrifon, 
Faithful  to  thee,  tho'  thinn'd  in  many  a  fight, 
And  wither'd  now  by  want.     Thee  it  befeexas 
Forever  anxious  for  thy  people's  weal, 
To  fuccour  thefe  brave  men  whofe  hohefl  breafts  to 
Bulwark  thy  throne."     He  faid,  and  from  the  hall 
With  upright  ftep  departing,  in  amaze 
At  his  fo  bold  deportment  left  the  court. 
The  King  exclaim'd,  "  But  little  need  to  fend 
Quick  fuccour  to  this  gallant  garrifon, 
If  to  the  Engliih  half  fo  firm  a  front 
They  bear  in  battle  !"     "  In  the  field,  my  liege," 
Dunois  replied,  "  that  man  has  ferv'd  thee  well. 
Him  have  I  feen  the  foremofr.  of  the  fight, 
Wielding  fo  fearfully  his  blood-red  fword,  30 

His  eye  fo  fury-fired,  that  the  pale  foe 
Let  fall  their  palfied  arms  with  powerlefs  fixoke, 
Defperate  of  fafety,     I  do  marvel  much 
That  he  is  here,     Orleans  mull  be  hard  prefs'd 
When  one  the  braved  of  her  garrifon  35 

Is  thus  commifiion'd.',  Swift  the  Maid  exclaim'd, 
"  I  tell  thee,  Chief,  that  there  the  Englifh  wolves 
Shall  never  pour  their  yells  of  victory. 


j<s  JOAN  OF  ARC. 

The  will  of  God  defends  thofe  fated  walls, 

And  refting  in  full  faith  on  that  high  will  40 

I  mock  their  efforts.     But  the  night  draws  on  ; 

Retire  we  to  repofe.     To-morrow's  fun 

Breaking  the  darknefs  of  the  fepulchre, 

Shall  on  that  armor  gleam,  thro*  many  an  age 

Kept  holy  and  inviolate  by  time*"  4£ 

She  faid,  and  rifmg  from  the  board*  retired. 

Meantime  the  herald's  brazen  voice  proclaim'd 
Coming  folemnity  :-  and  far  and  wide 
Spread  the  Grange  tidings.    .Every  labour  ceasM  ; 
The  ploughman  from  the  unfinifh'd  furrow  haftes  ; 
The  armorer's  anvil  beats  no  more  the  din 
Of  future  daughter.     Thro'  the  thronging,  ilreets 
The  buz  of  afking  wonder  hums  along. 

On  to  St.  Catherine's  facred  fane  they  go  ; 
The  holy  fathers  with  the  imag'd  crofs  $5 

Leading  the  long  proceflion.     Next,  as  one 
Suppliant  for  mercy  to  the  King  of  kings* 
And  grateful  for  the  benefits  of  Heaven, 
The  Monarch  pafs'd ;  and  by  his  fide  the  Maid  ; 
Her  lovely  limbs  rob'd  in  a  fnow- white  vert :       60 
Wiftlefs  that  every  eye  dwelt  on  her  form, 
With  ftately  ftep  fhe  paced ;  her  labouring  foul 
To  high  thoughts  elevate  ;  and  gazing  round 
With  the  wild  eye,  that  of  the  circling  throng 
And  of  the  vifible  world  unieeing,  faw  6j 

The  fhapes  of  holy  phantafy.     By  her 
The  warrior  Son  ef  Orleans  ftrode  along 


BOOK   THE    FOURTH.  n 

Preeminent.     He,  nerving  his  young  limbs 

With  manly  exercife,  had  fcaled  the  cliff, 

And  darning  in  the  torrent's  foaming  flood,         70 

Stemm'd  with  broad  breaft  its  fury ;  fo  his  form, 

Sinewy  and  firm,  and  fit  for  loftieft  deeds, 

Tower'd  high  amid  the  throng  effeminate  ; 

His  armor  bore  of  hoftile  fteel  the  marks, 

Many  and  deep.     His  pictur'd  fhield  difplay'd     75 

A  Lion  vainly  ftruggling  in  the  toils, 

Whilft  by  his  fide  the  cub  with  pious  rage, 

His  young  mane  floating  to  the  defart  air, 

Rends  the  fall'n  huntfman,    Tremouille  him  behind, 

The  worthlefs  favourite  of  the  flothful  Prince,     80 

Stalk'd  arrogant,  in  Aiming  armor  clafp'd 

With  gold  and  gems  of  richeft  hues  embofs'd, 

Gaudily  graceful,  by  no  hoftile  blade 

Defaced,  and  rufted  by  no  hoftile  blood } 

Trimly-accoutred  court  habiliment,  85 

Gay,  lady-dazzling  armor,  fit  to  adorn, 

In  dangerlefs  manoeuvres  fome  review, 

The  mockery  of  murder  !    followed  him 

The  train  of  courtiers,  fummer-flies  that  fport 

In  the  fun-beam  of  favor,  infecls  fprung  90 

From  the  court  dunghill,  greedy  blood-fuckers, 

The  foul  corruption-gender'd  fwarm  of  ftate. 

As  o'er  fome  flowery  field  the  bufy  bees 
Pour  their  deep  mufic,  pleafant  melody 
To  the  tired  traveller,  under  fome  old  oak  9J 

Stretchd  in  the  chequerd  (hade  ;  or  as  the  found 


72  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Of  far-off  waters  down  the  craggy  deep 

Dafh'd  with  loud  uproar,  rofe  the  murmur  round 

Of  admiration.     Every  gazing  eye 

Dwelt  on  the  miffion'd  Maid.     Of  all  befides,    ioo 

The  long  proceffion  and  the  gorgeous  train, 

Tho*  glittering  they  with  gold  and  fparkling  gems, 

And  their  rich  plumes  high  waving  ^o  the  air, 

Heedlefs.     The  confecrated  dome  they  reach, 

Rear'd  to  St.  Catherine's  holy  memory.  105 

Her  death  the  altar  told,  what  time  expos'd 

A  virgin  victim  to  the  defpot's  rage, 

The  agonizing  rack  outftretch'd  her  limbs, 

Till  the  {train' d   mufcles  crack'd,  and  from  their 

fockets 
Started  the  blood-red  eyes.     Before  her  flood   no 
Glutting  his  iron  fight,  the  giant  form 
Of  Maximin,  on  whofe  rais'd  lip  Revenge 
Kindled  a  favage  fmile  ;  whilft  even  the  face 
Of  the  hard  executioner  relax'dV 
And  fternly  foften'd  to  a  maiden  tear.  1 15 

Her  eye  averting  from  the  ftoried  woe, 
The  delegated  damfei  knelt  and  pour'd 
To  Heaven  the  prayer  of  praife,     A  trophied  tomb 
Clofe  to  the  altar  rear'd  its  antique  bulk. 
Two  pointlefs  javelins  and  a  broken  fword,         1 20 
Time-mouldering  now,  proclaim'd   fome    warrior 

flept 
The  fleep  of  death  beneath.     A  mafly  (tone 
And  rude-enfculptur'd  effigy  o'erlaid 


BOOK   THE    FOURTH.  73 

"The  fepulchre.     Above  flood  Victory, 
With  lifted  arm  and  trump  as  fhe  would  blow    125 
The  blaft  of  Fame,  but  on  her  outftretch'd  arm 
Death  laid  his  ebon  rod.     The  Maid  approach'd— 
Death  drop  t  his  ebon  rod — the  lifted  trump 
Pour'd  forth  a.  blaft  whofe  found  miraculous 
Burft  the  rude  tomb.      Within  the  arms   appear'd 
The  crefted  helm,  the  maffy  bauldrick's  ftrength, 
'The  oval  fhield,  the  magic-temper'd  blade. 
A  found  of  awe-reprefs'd  aftonifhment 
Rofe  from  the  crowd.     The  delegated  Maid 
O'er  her  white  robes  the  hallowed  breaft-plate  threw, 
Self- fitted  to  her  form.     On  her  helm'd  head 
The  white  plumes  nod,  majeftically  (low. 
She  lifts  the  buckler  and  the  magic  fword, 
'Gleaming  portentous  light.     The  amazed  crowd 
Raife  the  loud  fhoutof  tranfport.  "God  of  Heaven," 
The  Maid  exclaim'd,  "  Father  all  merciful ! 
Devoted  to  whofe  holy  will,  I  wield 
The  fword  of  Vengeance,  go  before  our  hofts  ! 
All-juft  avenger  of  the  innocent, 
Be  thou  our  Champion  ]  God  of  Love,  preferve  145 
Thofe  whom  no  luft  of  glory  leads  to  arms." 

She  fpake,  and  lo  again  the  magic  trump 
Breath'd  forth  ^the  notes  of  conqueft.     The  white 

plumes 
Refponfive  o'er  the  martial  Maiden's  head, 
Triumphant  waved.    They  rais'd  the  chaunted  mafs 

G 


74  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

■"  Thee,  Lord, we  praife,  our  God."    The  affembled 
Join'd  the  loud  hymn  in  choral  harmony,      [throng 

As  thro'  the  parting  crowd  the  Virgin  pafs'd, 
He  who  from  Orleans  on  the  yefternight 
Demanded  fuccour,  clafp'd  with  warmth  her  hand, 
And  with  a  bofom-thrilling  voice  exclaim'd, 
■w  IlUomen'd  Maid  !  victim  of  thine  own  worth, 
Devoted  for  the  King-curft  realm  of  France ! 
Ill-omen'd  Maid,  I  pity  thee."     So  faying, 
He  turn'd  into  the  crowd.    At  his  flrange  words  1 60 
Difturb'd,  the  warrior  Virgin  pafs'd  along, 
And  much  revolving  in  her  troubled  mind, 
Retreads  the  palace-:  there  the  feaft  was  fpread, 
And  fparkling  with  the  red  dew  of  the  vine-yard, 
The  bowl  went  round.  Meantime  the  minftrel  ftruck 
His  harp  :  the  PalladSns  of  France  he  fung  ; 
The  warrior  who  from  Arden's  fated  fount 
J)rank  of  the  bitter  waters  of  averfion, 
And  loathing  beauty,  fpurn'd  the  lovely  Maid, 
Suppliant  for  Love  ;  {bon  doomM  to  rue  the  charm 
Revers'd  :  and  that  invulnerable  Chief 
Orlando,  he  who  from  the  magic  horn 
Breath'd  fuch  heart-withering  founds,  tkat  every  foe 
Fled  from  the  fearful  blaflt,  and  all-appall'd, 
jSpell-flricken  Valour  hid  his  recreant  head.        175 

Tfre  full  found  ecfioed  o'er  the  arched  roof, 
And  liftening  eager  to  the  favorite  lay, 
The  guefts  fat  ftlent.     When  into  the  hall 
The  Meftenger  from  that  befieged  town, 


J300K    THE    FOURtH.  75 

Stalk'd  ftately.  "  It  is  pleafant,  King  of  France,  1 80 

To  feaft  at  eafe  and  hear  the  harper's  fong  ; 

Far1  other  mufk  hear  the  men  of  Orleans  ! 

Death  is  among  them  ;  there  the  voice  of  Woe 

Moans  eeafelefs."     "  Rude  unmannerly  intruder  !" 

Exclaim'd  the  Monarch,  i<f  c eafe  to  interrupt     185 

The  hour  of  merriment ;  it  is  not  thine 

To  inftruct  me  in  my  duty."     Of  reproof 

Heedlefs,  the  Granger  to  the  minftrel  cried, 

"  Why  harpeft  thou  of  Good  Rinaldo's  fame 

Amid  thefe  Walls  ?  Virtue  and  Genius  love        190 

That  lofty  lay.     Haft  thou  no  loofe  lewd  tale 

To  pamper  and  provoke  the  appetite  ? 

Such  fhouid  procure  tHee- worthy  recompenfe  : 

£)r  rather  fing  thou  of  that  mighty  one, 

Who  tore  the  ewe  lamb  from  the  poor  man's  bofom> 

That  was  to  him  even  as  a  daughter !  Charles, 

This  holy  tale  would  I  tell,  prophet-like, 

And  gazing  on  thee  cry,  "  Thou  art  the  man  !"' 

He  faid,  and  with  a  quicfc  and- troubled  flep 
Retired^     Aftbnifh'd  at  his  daring  phrafe,  200 

The  guefts  fat  heedlefs  of  the  minftrel's  fong, 
Pondering  the  words  myfterious.     Soon  the  harp 
Beguil'd  their  fenfes  of  anxiety.- 

The  court  difpers'd :  retiring  from  the  hall, 
Charles  and  the^delegated  damfel  fought  205 

The  inner  palace.     There  awaited  them 
The  Queen  :  with  her  JOAN  loved  to  pafs  the  hours, 
By.  various  converfe  cheer'd  ;  for  fhe  had  woh 


76  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

The  Virgin's  heart  by  her  mild  melancholy, 
The  calm  and  duteous  patience  that  deplor'd     21c 
A  hiifband's  cold  half-love,     To  her  fhe  told 
With  what  ftrange  words  the  meffenger from  Orleans 
Had  rous'd  uneafy  wonder  in  her  mind  j 
For  on  her  ear  yet  vibrated  the  voice, 
'*  Ill-omen'd  Maid,  I  pity  thee  !"  when  lo  !        215 
Again  that  man  ftalk'd  to  the  door,  and  flood 
Scowling  around,    "Why  dofl thou  haunt  me  thus," 
The  Monarch  cried,  "  is  there  no  place  fecure 
From  thy  rude  infclenee  ?  unmanner'd  Man  ! 
I  know  thee  not !"" 

"  Then  learn  to  know  me,  Charles  i"  220 
Solemnly  he  replied  ;  "  read  well  my  face, 
That  thou  mayeft  know  it  on  that  dreadful  day, 
When  at  the  throne  of  God  I  (hall  demand 
His  juftice  on  thee  !"     Turning  from  the  King, 
To  Agnes  as  fhe  enter'd,  m  a  tone  225: 

More  low,  more  awfully  fevere,  he  cried, 
"  Doft  thou  too  know  me  not  ?"  She  glanced  on  him, 
And  pale  and  breathlefs  hid  her  head  convuls'd 
In  the  Maid's  bofom.     "  King  of  France  !"  he  laid, 
"  She  lov'd  me  !   day  by  day  I  dwelt  with  her  ;  230 
Her  voice  was  mufic — very  fweet  her  fmiles  ! 
I  left  her  \  left  her  Charles,  in  evil  hour, 
To  fight  thy  battles.      Thou  meantime  didfl  come, 
Staining  mod  foul  her  fpotlefs  purity  ; 
For  fhe  was  pure— my  Agnes  !    even  as  mow    235 
Fall'n  in  fome  cleft  where  never  the  fierce  fun 


SOQK   THE    FOURTH  77 

Pours  his  hot  ray~moft  foul,  for  once  mod  fair  ; 

My  poor  polluted  Agnes  !— Thou  bad  man  ! 

Thou  haft  almoft  fhaken  my  faith  in  Heaven. 

£  fee  thee  rioting  in  floth  and  guilty  240 

And  yet  thou  reftefl,  pillowing  thy  head 

Even  on  her  bofom  1     I,  though  innocent 

Of  ill,  the  victim  of  another's  vice, 

l)rag  on  the  loathfome  burthen  of  exiflence, 

And  doubt  Heaven's  juftke  !" 

So  he  faid,  and  frown'd    245 

Dark  as  that  man  who  at  Mohammed's  door 

Knock'dfierce  and  frequent ;  from  whofe  fearful  look 

Bath'd  with  cold  damps,  every  beholder  fled. 

Even  he  the  prophet  almoft  terrified, 

Endur'd  but  half  to  view  him,  for  he  knew       250 

Azarael,  ftern-brow'd  Meffenger  of  Fate, 

And  his  death-day  was  come.     Guilt-petrified 

The  Monarch  fat,  nor  could  endure  to  face 

His  bofom-probing  frown.     The  miffion'd  Maid 

Read  anxious  his,  ftern  features  and  exclaim'd    255* 

"  I  know  thee,  Conrade  !"     Rifing  from  her  feat, 

She  took  his  hand,  for  he  flood  motionlefs, 

Gazing  on  Agnes  now  with  full-flx'd  eye, 

Dreadful  though   calm  :   him  from  the  Court  fhe 

And  to  the  river's  banks  refilling  not,  [drew, 

Both  fadly  filent  led  ;  till  at  the  laft 

As  from  a  dream  awaking,  Conrade  look'd 

Full  on  the  Maid,  and  falling  on  her  neck, 

He  wept.     "  I  know  thee,  Damfel  W  he  exclaim'd? 
Gz 


78  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

"  Doft  thou  remember  that  tempeftuous  night,  265 

When  I,  a  weather-beaten  traveller,  fought 

Your  hofpitable  doors  ?  ah  me  1   I  then 

Was  happy  !  you  too  fojourn'd  then  in  peace. 

Fool  that  I  was,  I  blam'd  fuch  happinefs, 

Arraign'd  it  as  a  guilty  felfifh  floth,  27a 

Unhappily  prevailing,  fo  I  fear  me, 

Or  why  art  thou  at  Chinon  ?"     Him  the  Maid 

Anfwering,  addrefs'd  :   "  I  do  remember  well 

That  night :  for  then  the  holy  Spirit  firft, 

Wak'd  by  thy  words,  poflefs'd  me." 

Conrade  cried,     275 
"  Then  I  have  one  more  fin  to  anfwer  for  ! 
Oh  Maiden,  thou  wert  happy  \  thou  hadft  liv'd 
Bleffing  and  bleft,  i£  I  had  never  ftray'd 
Needlefsly  rigid  from  my  peaceful  path* 
And  thou  haft  left  thine  home  then,  and  obey'd  2  80 
The  feverifh  fancies  of  thine  ardent  brain  ! 
And  haft  thou  left  him  too,  the  youth  whofe  eye 
For  ever  glancing  on  thee,  fpake  fo  well 
Affection's  eloquent  tale  V1     So  as  he  faid, 
Rufti'd  the  warm  purple  to  the  Virgin's  cheek.  285- 
"  I  am  alone,"  Ihe  anfwer'd,-  "for  this  realm 
Devoted."     Nor  to  anfwer  more  the  Maid 
Endur'd  ;  for  many  a  melancholy  thought 
Throng'd  on  her  aching  memory.     Her  mind's  eye 
Beheld  Domremi  and  the  Melds  of  Arc  :  1290 

She  gaz'd  amid  the  air  with  fuch  fad  look,. 
Yet  fuch  fweet  folacing  of  felf-applaufe,. 


BOOK   THE    FOURTH.  79 

As  he  the  virtuous  exile  feels,  who,  driven   x 
By  "  that  dark  Vizier"  from  his  native  land,  * 
Roams  on  the  fea-beach,  while  the  roaring  waves 
Rocking  his  fenfes,  break  upon  the  lhore. 
Loft  in  fad  dreams  his  diitant  home  he  fees, 
His  friends,  and  haply  too  an  aged  Mother 
That  weeps  for  him  in  bitternefs  of  heart. 
All,  all  he  loved  fond  fancy  fees  again,  300 

Till  the  big  tear-drop  ruihes  o'er  its  orb, 
And  drowns  the  fbft  enchantment.     By  the  hand 
Her  Conrade  held  and  cried,  "  Ill-fated  Maid  ! 
That  I  have  torn  thee  from  Affection's  breaft, 
My  foul  will  groan  in  anguifh.    Thou  wilt  ferve  305* 
Like  me,  the  worthlefs  Court,  and  having  ferv'd, 
In  the  hour  of  ill  abandon'ol,  thou  fhalt  curfe 
The  duty  that  deluded.     Of  the  world- 
Fatigued,  and  loathing  at  my  fellow-men, 
I  fhall  be  feen  no  more.     There  is  a  path —       3  r» 
The  eagle  hath  not  mark'd  it  ?  the  young  wolf 
Knows  not  its  hidden  windings  ;    I  have  trod 
That  path,  and  mark'd  a  melancholy  den> 
Where  one  whofe  jaundiced  foul  abhors  itfelf, 
May  pamper  him  in  complete  wretehednefs.       315: 
There  fepnlchred,  the  ghoft  of  what  he  was, 
Conrade  fhall  dwell,  and  in  the  languid  hour, 
When  the  jarr'd  fenfes  fink  to  a  fiek  calm, 
Shall  mourn  the  waire  of  frenzy  !"     So  he  fpake, 
And  clafping  to  his  heart  the  Virgin's  hand,     320 
Sped  rapid  o'er  the  plain.     She  with  dim  eyes, 


8a  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

For  gufhing  tears  obfcur'd  them,  follow'd  him' 
Till  loft  in  diftance.     With  a  weight  of  thought 
Oppreft,  along- the  poplar-planted  Vienne 
Then  wander 'd,  till  o'erwearied  on  the  banks    325 
She  laid  her  down,  and  watch'd  its  flowed  ftream 
Dim  purpling  to  the  clouds,  that  ftill5  were  pierc'd 
By  the  funk  day-ftar's  ray.     The  murmuring  tide 
LulPd  her,  and  many  a  penfive  pleafing  dream 
Rofe  in  fad  fhadowy  trains  at  Memory's  call.     330 
She  thought  of  Arc,  and  of  the-  dingled  brook, 
Whofe  waves  oft  leaping  on  their  craggy  courfe 
Made  dance  the  low-hung  willow's  dripping  twigs  ;- 
And  where  it  fpread  into  a  glaffy  lake, 
Of  that  old  oak,  which  on  the  frnooth  expanfe  335, 
Imaged  its  hoary  moiTy-mantled  boughs. 
Wak'd  by  the  thought,  a  tear  ran  down  her  cheek 
Unconfcious,  when  a  voice  behind  addrefs'd  her, 
"  Forgive  the  intrufion,  Lady  !    I  would  afk 
Where  I  might  meet  thatHeaven-commiflion'dMaid, 
Call'd  to  deliver  France."     The  well-known  tones 
Thrill'd  her  :  her  heart  throbb'd  faft--fhe  ftarted  up, 
And  fell  upon  the  neck  of  Theodore.  [youthr 

"  Oh  !   I  have  found  thee  !"  cried  th'  enraptur'd 
"  And  I  ftiall  dare  the  battle  by  thy  fide,  345 

And  fhield  thee  from  the  war  !  but  tell  me,  JOAN> 
Why  didft  thou  brood  in  fuch  flrange  myftery, 
O'er  this  thy  Heav'n-doom'd  purpofe  ?  truft  «ie>- 

Maideny 
I  have  fhed  many  tears  for  that  wild  gloom 


BOOK    THE    FOURTH.  m 

That  fo  eftrang'd  thee  from  thy  Theodore  !        350 
If  thou  couldft  know  the  anguifh  I  endur'd 
When-thou  wert  gone  !  how  thro'  the  live-long  night 
I  vainly  travers'd  o'er  thy  wonted  paths, 
Making  the  foreft  echo  to  thy  name  ! 
Our  mother  too  !   in  footh  it  was  unkind  35£ 

To  leave  us  thus  !"     Mindlefs  of  her  high  call, 
Again  the-  lowly  fhepherdefs  of  Arc, 
In  half-articulated  words  the  Maid- 
Exprefs'd  her  joy.      Of  Elinor  (lie  auVd,< 
How  from  a  doating  mother  he  had  come  360 

In  arms  array'd.     "  Thou  waked  in-  my  mind 
A  thought  that  makes  me  fad^"  the  youth  replied, 
"  For  Elinor  wept  much  at  my  refolve, 
And  eloquent  with;  all  a  mother's  fears, 
Urg'd  me  to  leave  her  not.     My  wayward  heart  365 
Smote  me  as  I  look'd  back  and  faw  her  wave- 
Adieu  !'  but  high  in  hope  I  foon  begnil'd 
Thefe  melancholy  feelings  by  the  thought 
That  we  fhould  both  return  to  cheer  her  age, 
Thy  miffion  well-fulruTd,  and  quit  no  more        370 
The  copfe-embofom'd  cottage."      But  the  Maid 
Soon  darted  from  her  dream  of  happmefs, 
For  on  her  memory  naPn'd  the  flaming  pile. 
A  death-like  palenefs  at  the  dreadful  thoughts 
Wither'd  her  cheek  ;  the  dews  on  her  cold  brow  375 
Started,  and  on  the  arm  of  Theodore 
Feeble  and  faint  fne  hung.     His  eager  eye 
Concentring  all  the  anguifh  of  the  foul* 


82  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

And  ftrain'd  in  anxious  love,  on  her  wan  cheek 

Fearfully  filent  gazed.     But  by  the  thought       3 So 

Of  her  high  million  rous'd,  the  Maiden's  foul 

Collected;  and  fhe  fpake.     "  My  Theodore, 

Thou  haft  done  wrong-  to  quit  thy  mother's  home  I 

Alone  and  aged  fhe  will  weep  for  thee, 

Wafting  the  little  that  is  left  of  life  585 

In  anguifh*     Go  thee  back  again  to  Arc, 

And  cheering  fb  her  wintry  hour  of  age, 

Cherifh  my  memory  there."     Swift  he  exclaim'd, 

"  Nay,  Maid  !  the  pang  of  parting  is  o'erpaft, 

And  Elinor  looks  on  to  the  glad  hour  39c 

When  we  fhall  both  return.     Amid  the  war 

How  many  an  arm  will  fcek  thy  fingle  life, 

How  many  a'fword  pierce  through  thy  brittle  mail, 

Wound  thy  fair  face,  or,  driven  with  impious  rage, 

Gore  thy  white bofom  !'  JOAN,  I  will  go  with  thee,, 

And  fpread  the  guardian  fhield  !"    Again  the  Maid 

Grew  pale  ;  for  of  her  laft  and  terrible  hour 

The  vifion'd  fcene  fhe  faw.      "  Nay,"  fhe  replied* 

•■'  1  fhall  not  need  thy  foe c bur  in  the  war. 

Me  Heaven,  if  fo  feem  good  to  its  high  will,      400 

Will  fave.     I  fhall  be  happier,  Theodore, 

Thinking  that  thou  doft  fojourn  fafe  at  home, 

Arid  make  thy  mother  happy."     The  youth's  cheeks 

A  rapid  blulh  diforder'd.     "  O  !   the  Court 

Is  pleafant,  and  thy  foul  would  fain  forget         405 

An  obfeure  Villager,  who  only  boafts 

The  treafure  of  the  heart."     She  look'd  at  him- 


%QOK    THE    FOURTH.  8S 

With  the  reproaching  eye  of  tendernefs  : 

"  Devoted  for  the  realm  of  France,  I  go 

A  willing  victim.     The  unpierc'd  Veil  410 

Was  raifed,  and  my  gifted  eye  beheld 

The  fearful  features  of  futurity. 

Yes,  Theodore,  I  mall  redeem  my  country, 

Abandoning  for  this  the  joys  of  life, 

Yea,  life  itfelf  !"   then  on  his  neck  flie  fell,         415 

And  with  a  faultering  voice,  "  return  to  Arc  ; 

I  do  not  tell  thee  there  are  other  maids 

As  fair  :  for  thou  v/ilt  love  my  memory, 

Hallowing  to  it  the  temple  of  thy  heart. 

Worthy  a  happier,  not  a  better  love,  420 

My  Theodore  !" — Then,  preffing  his  pale  lips, 

A  lad  and  holy  kifs  the  Virgin  fix'd, 

And  runVd  acrofs  the  plain.     She  reach'd  the  court 

jBreathlefs.     The  mingled  movements  of  her  mind 

Shook  every  fibre.     Sad  and  fick  at  heart,         425 

Fain  to  her  lonely  .chamber's  folitude 

^The  Maiden  had  r-etir'd  ;  but  her  the  King 

Met  on  the  threshold.     He  of  the  late  fcene 

Forgetful  and  his  crime,  as  cheerful  feem'd 

As  tho*  there  had  not  beea  a  God  in  Heav'n  i  43* 

**  Enter  the  hall,"  he  cried,  "  the  mafquers  there 

Join  in  the  dance.     Why,  Maiden,  art  thou  fad  ? 

Has  that  rude  madman  flaook  thy  gentle  frame 

With  his  ftrange  frenzies  ?"    The  difgufted  Maid, 

As  fternly  forrowful  {he  frown*  d  upon  him,        435 

Replied.    "  Yes,  Charles  J  that  madman  has  indeed 


%  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Made  me  moft  fad.     Much  had  I  heard  of  courts, 

Much  of  the  vice  and  folly  that  enthralled 

The  mailers  of  mankind.     Incredulous 

I  heard,  incredulous  that  man  fhould  bow         440 

In  homage  to  the  flaves. of  appetite. 

Thron'd  in  Infinity,  the  Eternal  Juftlce 

Gives  or  withholds  fuccefs  ;  by  his  high  will 

Withering  the  uplifted  Warrior's  fmewy  arm. 

Victory  is.his  ;  on  whom  he  delegates  445 

His  minifter  of  wrath,  the  .Genius  waits 

Stern-brow'd  attendant.     In  the  human  heart 

Dwells  Virtue  ;  milder  form  !  and  templed  there 

Loves  her  meet  altar  ;  and,  tho'  oft  diilodg'd, 

Reluctantly  fhe  quits  her  lov'd  abode,  450 

And  oft  returns,  and  oft  importunate 

Reclaims  her  empire.     Wilt  thou,  Charles,  reject 

The  fuppliant  angel  ?  wilt  thou  thru  ft  her  from  thee* 

Turning  thine  ear  from  her  unheeded  .cries, 

To  Riot's  deaf 'ning  clamors  ?  King  of  France!  455 

To  thee  elated,  thus  above  mankind 

Subjected  thoufands  gaze.:  they  wait  thy  will, 

They  wait  thy  will  to  quit  their  peaceful  homes, 

To  quit  the  comforts  of  domeftic  life., 

For  the  camp's  diflbnance,  the  clang  of  arms,    460 

The  banquet  of  deftruction.     King  of  France, 

Glows  not  thy  crimfon  cheek — fmks  not  thine  heart 

At  the  dread  thought  of  thoufands  in  thy  caufe, 

Mow'd  by  the  giant  fcythe  of  Victory  ? 

Of  widows  weeping  for  their  flaughter'd  hufbands  ? 


BOOJC    THE    FQURTIf.  8$ 

Of  orphans  groaning  for  their  daily  food  ? 
Oh  that  my  voice  in  thunder  might  awake 
The  monitor  within  thee  !   that  thy  foul 
Might,  like  Manoah's  iron-finew'd  fon, 
Burft  its  bafe  fetters  !"     The  aftouifh'd  King    470 
Trembled  like  Felix,  when  the  Apoftle  fpake 
Of  righteoufnefs  to  come.     And  now  Dunois, 
Toifing  a  javelin,  came  with  hafty  ftep  : 
His  eye  beam'd  exultation,     "  Thou  haft  rous'd 
The  fleeping  virtue  of  the  fons  of  France  ;  475 

They  crowd  around. the  ftandard,"  cried  the  chief. 
"jm  My  lance  is  ponderous  ;  1  have  fharp'd  my  fword 
To  meet  the  mortal  combat.     Miflion'd  Maid, 
Our  brethren  fieged  in  Orleans,  every  moment 
*Gaze  from  the  watch-tower  with  the  fick'ning  eye 
Of  expectation."     Rous'd  from  his  amaze, 
And  trufting  by  religion's  forms  obferv'd, 
With  fcrupulous  care,  to  atone  for  the  foul  breach 
•Of  her  firft  duties,  thus  the  King  exclaim'd  : 
Sp  O  chofen  by  Heaven,  defer  awhile  thy  march,  485 
That  o'er  the  land  my  heralds  may  proclaim 
A  general  faft,"     Severe  the  Maid  replied  : 
*"  Monarch  of  France  !  and  canft  thou  think  that  God 
Beholds  well-pleas'd  the  mockery  of  a  faft  ?  * 
^Luxuriant  lordly  riot  is  content,  490 

And  willingly  obedient  to  command, 
Feafts  on  fome  fainted  dainty.     The  poor  man, 
From  the  hard  labor  of  the  day  debarr'd, 
H 


86  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

jLofes  his  hard  meal  too.     It  were  to  wafte 

The  hour  in  impious  folly,  fo  to  bribe  495 

The  all-creating  Parent  to  deftroy 

The  works Jie  made.     Proud  tyranny  to  Man, 

To  God  foul  infult !  -Mortify  your  pride  ; 

Be  clad  in  fackcloth  when  the  conqueror's  car 

Rolls  o'er  the  field  of  blood. — Believe  me,King,  50,0 

If  thou  didft  know  the  untold  mifery 

When  from  the  bofom  of  domeftic  Love 

But  one— one  viclim  goes  !  if  that  thine  heart 

Be  human,  it  would  bleed  1"     Her  heart  was  full, 

And,  paufing  for  a  moment,  fhe  repre-fs'd  595 

The  unbidden  anguifh.     "  Lo  !  they  crowd  around 

The  ftandard  1  Thou,  Dunois,  the  chofen  troops 

Marfhal  in  fpeed,  for  early  with  the  dawn 

We  march  to  xefcue  Orleans  from  the  foe." 


iooK  the  fifth: 


ARGUMENT. 

The  Maid  receives  a  confecrated  bamier  from  the  Areh- 
bifljop.  The  troops  under  the *'■  command' of ~  JOAN 
a?id  Dunois  march  towards  Orleans.  They  vieet  ivith 
one  of  thefemah  cittcajfs  from- that  city i  Her  bijlcry 
previous  to  taking,  refuge  there:  Preparations  for  the 
enfuing  fiege.  Encampment  of  the  beftegers.  Their 
progrefs,  and  the  fubfequent  diflrejfes  of  Orleans. 

OCARCE  had  the  earlieft  ray  from  Chinon's  towers 

Made  vifible  the  mifts  that  cu'rPd*  along 

The  winding  waves  of  Vienne,.  when  from  her  couch 

Started  the  martial  Maid.-    She  mail'd  her  limbs  ; 

The  white  plumes  nodded  o'er  her  helmed  head  ;     5 

She  girt  the  temper'd  falchion  by  her  fide* 

And,  like  fome  youth- that  from  His- mother's  arms, 

For  his  firflt  field  impatient,  breaks  away, 

Foiling  the  lance  went  forth.-  Twelve  hundred  men, 

Rearing  in  order?d  ranks  their  well-fharp'd  fpears, 

Await  her  coming.     Terrible  in  arms 

Before  them  tower'd  Dunois,-    His  manly  face 

Dark-fhadow'd  by  the  helmet's  iron  cheeks. 

the  afTembled  court  gaz'd  on  the  marfhall'd  train,. 


$8  JOAN.    OF   ARC. 

And  at  the  gate  the  aged  Primate  flood  if 

To  pour  his  blefiing  on  the  chofen  hoft. 

And  now  a  foft  and  folemn  fymphony 

Was  heard  ;  and  chaunting  high  theliallow'd  hymn 

From  the  near  convent  came  the  veftal  maids. 

A  holy  banner,  woven  by.  virgin  hands,*  20 

Snow-white  they  bore.     A  mingled  fentiment 

Of  awe,  and  eager  ardor  for  the  fight, 

Thrlll'd  through  the  troops,  as  he  the  reverend  man- 

Took  the  white  fkandard,  and  with  heav'nward  eye 

Call'd  on  the  God  of  Juftice,  bleffing  it.  25; 

The  Maid,  her  brows  in  reverence  unhelm'd, 

Her  dark  hair  floating  on  the  morning  gale, 

Knelt  to  his  prayer,  and  ftretchirig  forth  her  hand' 

Receiv'd  the  myftic  enfign.     From  the  hoft 

A  loud  and  univerfal  fliout  Bur  ft  forth,  30 

As  rifmg  from  the  ground,  on  her  white  brow 

She  placed  the  plumed  cafque,  and  wav'd  on  high> 

The  banner'd  lilies.     On  their  way  they  march, 

And  dim  in  diftance,  foon  the  towers  of  Chinon 

Fade  from  the  eye  reverted.     The  third  fun,       35" 

Purpling  the  Iky  with  his  dilated  light, 

Sunk  weftering  ;  when  embofom'd  in  the  depth 

Of  that  vaft  foreft,  whefe  prodigious  track  x 

Shadows  the  hills  and  vales  of  Orleannois, 

They  pitch  their  tents.     The  hum  of  occupation  40 

Sounds  ceafelefs.     Waving  to  the  evening  gale, 

The  ftreamers  wanton  ;  and,  afcending  flow 

Beneath  the  foliage  of  the  foreft  trees, 


BOOK    THE    FIFTH.  89, 

With  many  a  light  hue  tinged,. the  curling  fmoke 
Melts  in  the  impurpled  air :  leaving  her  tent,      45 
The  martial  Maiden  wandered  thro*  the  wood. 
There,  by  a  ftreamlet,.  on  its  mofly  bank 
Reclined,  (He  faw  a  damfel :   her  long  locks - 
Engarlandedi  and  as  fhe  nearer  came, 
The  Virgin  knew  it  for  the  willow  weed.  50 

Refting  his  Head  upon  her  lap,  there  lay 
A  dark-hair'd  man,  liftening  as  fhe  did  fing 
Sad  ditties,  and  en  wreathe  to  bind  his  brow 
The  melancholy  rue,     Scar'd  at  the  found 
Of  one  in  arms  approaching,  fhe  had  fled  ;.  55 

But  Conrade,  looking  upward,  recogniz'd 
The  Maid  of  Arc.     "  Fear  not,  poor  Ifabel,-' 
He  faid,  "for  this  is,  one  of  gentle  kind,. 
Whom  even  the  wretched  need  not  fear  to  love." 

So  faying,  he  arofe  and  took  her  Hand,  60 

And  held  it  to  his  bofom.     "  My  fond  heart, 
Though  fchool'd  by  wrongs  to  loath  at  human  kind, 
Beats  high,  a  rebel  to  its'  own  refolvesi 
Come  hither,  outcaft  One  !  and  call  her  friend, 
And  fhe  friallbe  thy  friend  more  readily  65; 

Becaufe  thou  art  unHappy."     Ifabel- 
Saw  a  tear  flarting  in  the  Virgin's  eye; 
And  glancing  upon  Conrade,  ffie  too  wept; 
Wailing  his  wilder' dfenfes.     "  Miflion'd  Maid  !"" 
The  warrior  cried,  "be happy T  for  thy  power    70 
Cart  make  this  Wanderer  fo.     From  Orleans  driven}, 
(Drphan'd  by  war,  and  torn  away  from  one 
H2- 


90  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Her  only  friend,  I  found  her  in  the  wilds, 

Worn  out  with  want  and  wretchednefs.  Thou,  Joan9 

Wilt  his  beloved  to  the  youth  reftore.  75 

And,  truft  me,  Maid !  the  miferable  feel 

When  they  on  others  be  flow  happinefs 

High  joys  and  foul-ennobling."     She  replied, 

Preffing  the  damfel's  hand,  in  the  mild  tone 

Of  equal  friendship,  folacing  her  cares.  80 

"  Soon  fhall  we  enter  Orleans,"  faid  the  Maid  ; 

*'  A  few  hours  in  her  dream  of  victory 

England  (hall  triumph  ;  then  to  be  awak'd 

By  the  loud  thunder  of  Almighty  wrath  1 

Jrkfome  meantime  the  bufy  camp  to  me  85 

A  folitary  woman.     Ifabel, 

Wert  thou  the  while  companion  of  my  tent, 

Lightly  the  time  would  pafs.     Return  with  me, 

I  may  not  long  be  abfent."     So  ihe  fpake. 

The  Wanderer  in  half-uttered  words  exprefs'd     90 

Grateful  affent.     "  Art  thou  aftonifh'd,  Maid, 

That  one  though  powerful  is  benevolent  ? 

In  truth  thou  well  may'ft  wonder  !"  Conrade  cried* 

"  But  little  caufe  to  love  the  mighty  ones 

Has  the  low  cottager  f  for  with  its  {hade  95 

Does  Power,,  a  barren  death-dew-dropping  tree, 

Blaft  every  herb  beneath  its  baleful  boughs  ! 

Tell  thou  thy  fuiferings,  Ifabel  !    Relate 

How  warr'd  the  chieftains,  and  the  people  died. 

The  miffion'd  Virgin  hath  not  heard  thy  woes,  iqo 

And  plcafant  to  my  ear  the  twice-told  tale 


BOOK    THE    FIFTH.  91 

Of  forrov.r."      Gazing  on  the  martial  Maid 

She  read  her  wifh  and  fpake.     "  Of  lowly  line, 

Not  diftant  far  from  Jeriville,  dwelt  niy  fire. 

Two  brethren  forrri'd  bur  family  of  love.  105 

Humble  we  were,  but  happy.     Hoheft  toil 

Procur'd  our  homely  fuftenance.     Our  herds 

Duly  at  morri  and  evening  to  my  hand 

Gave  their  full  (lores.    The  vineyard  he  had  rear'd 

Purpled  its  clufters  in  the  fouthern  fun  ;  1 10 

And  plenteous  produce  of  my  father's  toil 

^7he  yellow  harveft  billowed  oyer  the  plain. 

We  were  content  and  envied  not  the  great  ; 

We  fear'd  them  nor,  for  we  were  innocent. 

How  cheerful  feated  round  the  blazing  hearth    115 

When  all  the  labour  of  the  day  was  done, 

We  pafs'd  the  ev'ning  hours  \    for  they  would  fing 

Or  cheerful  roundelay,  or  ditty  fad 

Of  maid  forfalceri  and  the  willow  weed, 

Or  of  the  doughty  Douzeperes  of  France,  1 20 

Some  warlike  fit,  the  while  my  fpinning  wheel 

Humm'd  not  unpleafmg  round  !" 

"  Thus  long  we  lived, 
And  happy.     To  a  neighbouring  youth  my  hand, 
In  holy  wedlock  foon  to  be  combin'd, 
Was  plighted.    My  poor  Francis !"    Here  (he  paused, 
And  here  fhe.  wept  awhile*     «*  We  did  not  dream 
The  defolating  fword  of  War  would  ftoop 
To  us.     But  foon  as  with  the  whirlwind's  fpeed 
Ruin  rufh'd  round  us.     Mehun,  Clery,  Fell,,   * 


92  fOAN   OF   ARC, 

The  banner'd  Lion- waved  on  Gergeau's  wall,-  ^ 

Baugenci  yielded  :  foon  the  foe  approach'd  ; 

The  towers  of  Jenville.       Fatal  was  the  hour 

To  lucklefs  Ifabel.     For  from  the  wall 

The  rufty  fword  was  taken,  and  the  fhield 

That  long,  had  mouldered  on  the  mouldering  nail*? 

To  meet  the  war  repair'd.     No  more  was  heard 

The  ballad,  or  the  merry  roundelay. 

The  clattering  hammer's  clank,  the  grating  file 

Harfh  founded  thro'  the  day  a  difmal  din* 

L  never  fhall  forget  their  mournful  found  !•        14^ 

"  My  father  flood  encircling  his  old  limbs 
In  long  forgotten  arms.     "Come,  boys,"  he  cried,'* 
'*  I  did  not  think  that  this  grey  head  again 
Should  bear  the  helmet's  weight  !  but  in  the  field  - 
Better  to  boldly  die  afoldier's  death,-  14^: 

Than  here  be  tamely  butcher'd*-    My  dear  girl, 
Go  to  the  Abbey.     Here  is  gold  to  buy 
The  kind  protection  of  the  holy  church,  •• 
Fare  thee  well,  Ifabel !   if  we  furvive 
And  conquer,  we  fhall  meet  again  :•  if  not,         15CP 
There  is  abetter  world  !"     In  broken  words 
Lifting  his  looks  to  Heav'n  !  my  father  breath'd- 
His  blefling  on  me:-    As  they  ftrode  away, 
My  brethren  gazed  on  me  and  preft  my  hand 
In  filence,  for  they  lov'd  their  Ifabel.  155; 

From  the  near  cottage  Francis  join'd  the  troop. 
Then  did  I  look  on  our  forfaken  home, 
Andalmoft  fob  my  very,  foul  away '!'- 


BOOK   THE   FIFTH*.  g? 

J$6r  all  my  hopes  of  happinefs  were  fled,  • 

Hike  a  vain  dream  ! *     "  Perifh  thefe  mighty  ones," 

Cried  Conrade,  "  thefe  prime  minillers  of  death, 

Who  ftaik  elated  o'er  their  fields  of  fame, 

And  count  the  thoufand's  they  have  maiTacredV 

And  witli  the  bodies  of  the  innocent,  rear 

Their  pyramid  of  glory  \"  Perifn  thefe,  165 

The  epitome  of  •  all  the  peftilent  plagues- 

That  Egypt  knew  !  who  pour  their  locufl  fwarms 

G'er  ravaged  realms,  and  bid  tlie  brooks  run  blood. 

Fear  and  Destruction  go  before  their  path. 

And  Famine  dogs  thdr~feet£eps.     God  of  Juftice, 

Let  not  the  innocent  blood  cry  out  in  vain  !" 

Tlras  whilft  he  fpake,,the  murmur  of  the  camp; 
Rofe  on  their  ear.     Firfl  like  the  diftant  found 
When  the  full -foliag'd' fore  ft:  to  the  ftorrn 
Shakes  its  hoar fe  head";    Anon  with  louder  din  ;  175 
And  thro*  the  opening  glade  gleam'd  many  a  fire. 
The  Virgin's  tent  they  enter'd.     There  the  board 
Was  fpread.     The  Wanderer,  of  the  fare  partook, 
Then  thus  her  tale  renew'd.     "-Slow  o'er  the  hill 
Whofe  rifmg  head  conceal'd  our  cot  I  pafs'd,     1-80 
Yet  on  my  journey  paus'd  awhile,  and  gaz'd,. 
And  wept — for  often  had  I  croft  the  hill 
With  cheerful  ftep>  and  feen  the  rifmg  fmoke 
Of  hofpitable  fire.     Alas  !  no  fmoke 
Curl'd  o'er  the  melancholy  chimneys  now.         185 
Orleans  I  reach'd.     There  in  the  fuburbs  flood 
The  Abbey — and  ere  long  I  learnt  the  fall 


9*  JO  AN   OF'  ARC, 

Of  Jenville.     On  a  day,  a  foldier  aiVd 

For  Ifabel.     Scarce  could  my  faultering  feet 

Support  mei     It  was  iFrancis,  and  alone—         i9< 

The  fole  furvrvor  of  the  fatal  fight ! 

And  foon  the  foes  approach'd.     Impending  War 

Soon  fadden'd  Orleans.     There  the  braveft  chiefs  J 

AfTemble;     Gallant  D'Orval  ihines  in'  arms, 

And  Xaintrailles  ranfom'd  from  the  captive  chain* 

Graville,  La  Hire,  and  Thouars,  and  preferv'd 

When  fallen  and  faint,"  Alencon  on  the  field  ' 

Verneuiljto  France  fo  fatal;  and  releas'd, 

La  Fayette  from  his  hard  captivity, 

BbufTac,  Chabanries,  and'over  all  rehbwn'd *'      20a 

The  Baftard  Orleans.     Thefe  within  the  town 

Expect  the  foe.     Twelve  hundred  chofen  men 

Well  tried  in- war^uprear  the  guardian  fhield 

Beneath  their  banners.  -  Dreadful' was- the  fight 

Of  preparation.     The  wide  fuburbs  ftretcn'd     265 

Along  the  pleafant  borders  of  the  Loire, 

Late  throngfd  withmukitudes,  now  feel' the  hand - 

Of  Ruin.     Thefe  preventive  Care  deftroys*  4 

Left England,*  ftielter'd' by  the  friendly  walls, 

Securely  (hould  approach;     The  monafteries     210 

Fell  in  the  general  wafte.     The  holy  monks 

Uuwillingly  their  long.accuftom'd  haunts 

Abandon,  haunts  where- every  gloomy  nook 

Call'd  to  awakened  Memory  fome  trace 

Of  vifion  feen,  or  found  miraculous;  215' 

Trembling  and  terrified,,  their  noifelefs  cells 


BOOK    THE    FIFTH.  ,$$ 

l?or  the  rude  uproar  of  a  world  unknown, 
The  Nuns  defert.     Their  Abbefs,  more  compofed, 
Collects  her  maids  around,  and  tells  her  beads, 
And  pours  the  timid  prayer  of  piety.  220 

The  citizens  with  ftrong  and  ceafelefs  ftroke 
Dug  up  the  violated  earth,   ;o  impede 
The  foe.     The  hollow  chambers  of  the  dead 
J  Echoed  beneath.    -The  brazen-trophied  tomb 
■Thrown  in  the  furnace,  now  prepares  to  give     225 
[The  death  it  late  recorded.     It  was  fad 
[To  fee  io  wide  a  wafte  ;  the  aged  ones 
[Hanging  their  heads,  and  weeping  as  they  went 
jO'er  the  fal-l'n  dwellings  of  their  happier  years  ; 
The  ftern  and  fullen  filence  of  the  men  23,0 

Muling  on  vengeance:  and  ^ut ill  repreft 
The  mother's  fears  as  to  her  bread  flie  clafp^d 
Her  ill-doom'd  infant.     Soon  the  fuburbs  lay 
[One  ample  ruin  ;  the  huge  Hones  remov'd, 
Wait  in  the  town  to  rain  the  ftorm  of  death.      235 
"  And  now  .--without  the  walls  the  delplate  plain 
•Stretcb'd  wide,  a  rough  and  melancholy  wafte. 
(With  uptorn  pavements  and  foundations  deep 
Df  many  a  ruined  dweljing— horrid  fcene  ! 
fclor  was  within  lefs  drear.     At  evening  hour    240 
No  more  the  merry  tabor's  note  was  heard, 
(No  more  the  aged  matron  at  her  door 
jHumm'd  cheery  to  her  fpinning  wheel,  and  mark'd 
iHer  children  dancing  to  the  roundelay. 
'It  was  a  hurried,  melancholy  fcene  !  '445 


*$6  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

The  chieftains  ftrengthening  ftill  the  many  walls, 
Survey  them  with  the  prying  eye  of  fear. 
The  eager  youth  in  dreadful  preparation 
'  Strive  in.  the  mimic  war.     Silent  and  ftem 
They  urge  with  fearful  hafte  their  gloomy  work.  250. 
All  day  the  .armorer's  bufy  beat  was  heard, 
All  night  it  founded.     In  the  city  -dwelt 
Such  a  dead  filence  of  all,  pleafant  founds 
As  in  the  fore  ft  when  the  lowering  clouds 
Meet,  and  the  deep  and  hollow  wind  is  heard     255 
That  omens  tempeft  :  trembles  to  its  voice 
The  grove,  and  cafts  a  darker  gloom  around. 

- "  At  length  the  foe  approach.      The  watchman 
-  founds 
\His  dreadful  warning.     From  the  lofty  tower 
Of  old  cathedral  I  beheld  the  &ene.  2  60 

Trembling  as  when  upon  fome'little  rock 
Iflanded  from  the  not-far-diftant  more, 
The^fhipwreck'd  feaman  difficultly  efcap'd 
.Stands,  and  beholds  the  tide  faft  rifing  round. 

"  With  ftandards  proudly  waving  to  the  breeze, 
Onward  they  move.     The  clarions  breathe  aloud 
Their  martial  clangor,  and  the  cheerful  fife, 
According  to  the  thundering  drum's  deep^found, 
Directs  their-meafur'd  march.    'Before  the  ranks 
Stalks  the  ftern  form  of  Salisbury,  the  fcaurge    270 
Of  France:.;  and  Talbot  towered  by  his  fide, 
Talbot,  at  whofe  dread  name  the  froward  child 
vClings  mute  and  trembling  to  his  nurfe's  breaft. 


BOOK    THE    FIFTH.  97 

Suffolk  was  there,  and  Hungerford,  and  Scales, 
And  Faftolffe,  viclor  in  the  frequent  fight.         275 
Dark  as  the  autumnal  ftorm  they  roll'd  along, 
That  big  with  ruin  chills  the  blacken'd  vale  ; 
A  countlefs  hoft !  From  the  high  tower  I  mark'd 
The  dreadful  fcene.— I  faw  the  iron  blaze 
Of  javelins  fparkling  to  the  noontide  fun,  280 

Their  banners  toflmg  to  the  troubled  gale, 
And— fearful  mufic— heard  upon  the  wind 
The  modulated  ftep  of  multitudes. 
There  in  the  midft,  fhuddering  with  fear,  I  faw 
The  dreadful  ftores  of  death.     Tremendous  roll'd 
Over  rough  roads  the  har£b  wheels.     The  brazen 
Flafh'd  in  the  fun  their  fearful  fplendor  far,  [tubes 
And  laft  the  loaded  waggons  creak'd  along. 
.An  awful  fcene  !  that  chill'd  me  as  I  gaz'd. 
Thus  from  the  black  womb  of  the  mutinous  fky, 
When  the  red  lightning  rallies,  and  illumes 
With  lurid  light  the  cloud-clad  hemifphere, 
The  traveller  fpeeds  acrofs  the  plain,  yet  marks 
All  fearful  as  he  is,  with  flrange  delight, 
The  forked  flafh.      Meantime,  a  penfive  train,  295 
The  fearful  Nuns  in  fad  folemnity 
Pafs  to  the  temple.     In  this  hour  of  ill, 
Earned  of  foul  they  pray  to  Heav'n  for  aid." 
And  now  Dunois,  for  he  had  feen  the  camp 
Well-order'd,  .enter'd.     "  One  night  more  in  peace 
England  mail  reft,"  he  cried,  "  ere  yet  the  ftorm 
Burfts  on  her  guilty  head  !  then  their  proud  vaunts 


$8  JOAN    OF   ARC, 

Forgotten  or  remember'd  to  their  fliame, 
Vainly  her  chiefs  fhall  curfe  the  hour,  when  firfl 
They  pitch/d  their  tents  round  Orleans.,, 

"  Of  that  fiege,"       310 
The  Maid  of  Arc  replied,  u  gladly  I  hear 
The  detail.     Ifabel,  proceed  ;  for  foon 
Deftin'd  to  refcue  that  devoted  town, 
AH  that  has  chanced,  the  ills  fhe  has  endur'd, 
I  liften,  forrowing  for  the  pait,  and  feel  315 

High  fatisfaction  at  the  faviour  power 
To  me  commiflioned."     Thus  the  Virgin  fpake, 
Nor  Ifabel  delayed.     u  And  now  more  near 
The  hoftile  hoft  advancing  pitch  their  tents. 
Unnumber'd  ftreamerswave,  and  clamorous  fhouts, 
Anticipating  conqueft,  rend  the  air 
With  univerfal  uproar.     From  their  camp 
A  herald  comes.     His  garb  emblazon'd  o'er 
With  Britifh.  lions,  and  foul  blot  to  France  1 
The  lilies  from  the  field  of  Azincour  325 

In  flaughter  pluck'd.    The  fummons  of  the  foe 
He  brought."     The  Baftard  interrupting  cried, 
"  I  was  with  Gaucour  and  the  afTembled  chiefs, 
When  by  his  office  privileged  and  proud 
That  herald  fpake,  as  certain  of  fuccefs  330 

As  he  had  made  a  league  with  Victory/* 
"  Nobles  of  France  rebellious  !  from  the  chief 
Of  yon  victorious  hoft,  the  mighty  Earl 
Of  Salifbury,  now  there  in  place  of  him 
Your  Regent  John  of  Bedford  :  in  his  name       33^ 


BOOK   THE    FIFTH.  99 

1  come,  and  in  our  fover eign  Lord  the  King's 

Henry.     Ye  know  full  well  our  mailer's  claim 

Incontrovertible  to  this  good  realm, 

By  right  defcent,  andfolemnly  confirm'd 

By  your  late  Monarch  and  our  mighty  King      340 

Fifth  Henry,   in  the  treaty  ratified 

At  Troyes,  wherein  your  Monarch  did  difclaim   5 

All  future  right  and  title  to  this  crown, 

His  own  exempted,  for  his  fon  and  heirs 

Down  to  the  end  of  time.     This  fign'd  and  feal'd 

At  the  holy  altar,  and  by  nuptial  knot 

Of  Henry  and  your  Princefs,  yields  the  realm, 

Charles  dead  and  Henry,  to  his  infant  fon 

Henry  of  Windfor.     Who  then  dares  oppofe 

My  matter's  title,  in  the  face  of  God  3  jd 

Of  wilful  perjury,  moft  atrocious  crime, 

Stands  guilty,  and  of  flat  rebellion  'gainft 

The  Lord's  anointed.     He  at  Paris  crown'd, 

With  loud  acclaim  from  duteous  multitude 

Thus  fpeaks  by  me.     Deliver  up  your  town       355* 

To  Salifbury,  and  yield  yourfelves  and  arms, 

So  fhall  your  lives  be  fafe.     And — mark  his  grace  ! 

If  of  your  free  accord,  to  him  you  pay 

Due  homage  as  your  fovereign  Lord  and  King, 

Your  rich  eftates,  your  houfes  fhall  be  fafev        360 

And  you  in  favor  ftand,  as  is  the  Dukey 

Philip  of  Burgundy.     But— mark  me  well— ■ 

If  obftinately  wilful,  you  perfift 

To  fcorn  his  proffer'd  mercy  ;  not  one  ftone: 


ioo  JOAN   OF   ARC, 

Upon  another  of  this  wretched  town  365 

Shall  then  be  left.     And  when  the  Englifh  hoft 
Triumphant  in  the  duft  have  trod  the  towers 
Of  Orleans,  who  furvive  the  dreadful  war 
Shall  die  like  traitors  by  the  hangman's  hand. 
Ye  men  of  France,  remember  Caen  and  Rouen  !" 

"  He  ceafed.    Nor  Gaucour  for  a  moment  paus'd 
To  form  reply.     "  Herald,  to  all  thy  vaunts 
Of  Englifh  fovereignty  let  this  fuffice 
For  anfwcr  :  France  will  only  own  as  King 
Him  whom  the  people  choofe.     On  Charles's  brow, 
Tranfmitted  thro*  a  long  and  good  defcent 
The  crown  remains.     We  know  no  homage  due 
To  Englifh  robbers,  and  cHfclaim  the  peace 
Inglorious  made  at  Troves  by  factious  men 

tioftile  to  France.    Thy  matter's  proffer'd  grace  3S0 

Meets  the  contempt  it  merits.     Herald,  yes, 

We  fhall  remember  Meaux,  and  Caen,  and  Rouen. 

Go  tell  the  mighty  Earl  of  Salifbury, 

That  as  like  Blanchard,  Gaucour  dares  his  power  ; 

Like  Blanchard,  he  can  mock  his  cruelty,  385. 

And  triumph  by  enduring.     Speak  I  well, 

Ye  men  of  Orleans  ?"     "  Never  did  I  hear 

A  fhout  fo  univerfal  as  enfued 

Of  approbation.     The  affembled  hoft 

As  with  one  voice  pour'd  forth  their  loyalty,      390 

And  ftruck  their  founding  fhields.      The  towers  of 

Orleans 
Echoed  the  loud  uproar.     The  herald  went, 


BOOK   THE   FIFTH.  101 

The  work  of  war  began."      "  A  fearful  fcene," 
Cried  Ifabel.     "  The  iron  florin  of  death 
ClahVd  in  the  fky.     From  the  ftrong  engines  hurPd^ 
Huge  rocks  with  temp  eft  force  convuls'd  the  air. 
Then  was  there  heard  at  once  the  clang  of  arms, 
The  bellowing  cannon's,  and  the  foldier's  fhout, 
The  female's  fhriek— the  affrighted  infant's  cry  : 
The  groan  of  death. — Difcord-  of  dreadful  founds 
That  jarr'd  the  foul  !  Nor  while  the  encircling  foe- 
Leagur'd  the  wall  of  Orleans,  idly  flept 
Our  friends*     For  winning  down  the  Loire  its  way 
The  frequent  vefTel  with  provi (ion  fraught,. 
And  men,  and  all  the  artillery  of  death,  405 

Cheer'd  us  with  welcome  fuccour.      At  the  bridge 
Thefe  fafely  ftranded  mock'd  the  foeman's  force. 
This  to  prevent,.  Salifbury  their  watchful  chief,  6 
Prepares  the  amazing  work.     Around  our  walls, 
Encircling  walls  he  builds,  furrounding  thus        410 
The  city.     Firm'd  with  maffieft  buttreffes, 
At  equal  diftance,  fixty  forts  protfcft 
The  pile. '    But  chief  where  in  theJieged  town 
The  fix  great  avenues  meet  in  the  mid  ft, 
Six  caftles  there  he  rear'd  impregnable,  415: 

With  deep-dug  moats  and  bridges  drawn  aloft,. 
Where  over  the  ftrong  gate  fufpended  hung 
The  dread  portcullis.     Thence' the  gunner's  eye 
From  his  fafe  fhelter  could  with  eafe  furvey 
intended  fally,  or  approaching  aid,  420 

And  point  definition.     It  were  long  to  tell 
1  2 


102  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

And  tedious,  how  with  many  a  bold  affault 
The  men  of  Orleans  rufti'd  upon  their  foes ; 
How  fell  the  Tournelles  (where  in  time  of  peace 
Juftice  had  held  her  feat)  and  that  ftrong  tower  7 
That  fhadowed  from  the  bridge  the  fubjecl  Loire  ; 
Th'o*  numb'ring  now  three  thoufand  daring  men, 
Frequent  and  fierce  the  garrifon  repell'd 
Their  far  out-numbering  foes.     From  ev'ry  aid 
Included,  they  in  Orleans  groan'd  beneath         430 
All  ills  accumulate.     The  fhatter'd  roofs 
Gave  to  the  midnight  dews  free  pafTage  there. 
And  ever  and  anon  with  hideous  cram 
Some  houfe  fell  ;  darting  from  his  fcanty  reft 
The  wearied  foldier.      Thro'  the  ftreets  were  feen 
The  frequent  fire,  and  heaps  of  dead,  in  hafte 
Piled  up  and  (learning  to  infecled  Heaven. 
For  ever  the  inceflant  ftorm  of  Death 
Showers  down,  and  fhrouded  in  unwholefome  vaults 
The  wretched  females  hide,  not  idle  there,         440 
Wafting  the  hours  in  tears,  but  all  employ 'd, 
Or  to  provide  the  hungry  foldier's  meal, 
Or  tear  their  garments  to  bind  up  his  wounds  : 
A  fad  equality  of  wretchednefs. 

u  Now  came  the  worft  of  ills,  for  Famine  came  ! 
The  provident  hand  deals  out  its  fcanty  dole, 
Yielding  fo  little  a  fupply  to  life 
As  but  protracted  death.     The  loathlieft  food 
Hunted  with  eager  eye,  and  dainty  deem'd. 
The  dog  is  flain,  that  at  his  mailer's  feet  450 


BOOK   THE    FIFTH.  103 

Howling  with  hunger  lay.     With  jealous  fear, 
Hating  a  HvaPs  look,  the  hufband  hides 
His  miferable  meal.     The  famifh'd  babe 
Clings  clofely  to  his  dying  mother's  breaft ; 
And—horrible  to  tell !— where,  thrown  aiide,     455 
There  lay  unburied  in  the  open  ftreets 
Huge  heaps  of  carcaffes,  the  foldier  ftands 
Eager  to  feize  the  carrion  crow  for  food. 
Oh  peaceful  fcenes  of  childhood  !  pleafant  fields ! 
Haunts  of  my  infancy,  where  I  have  ftray'd      460. 
Tracing  the  brook  along  its  winding  way, 
Or  pluckM  the  primrofe,  or  with  giddy  fpeed 
Chaced  the  gay  butterfly  from  flower  to  flower  ! 
Oh  days  in  vain  remember'd  !  how  my  foul 
Sick  with  calamity,  and  the  fore  ills  465 

Of  hunger,  dwelt  upon  you  !  quiet  home 
Thinking  of  you  amid  the  wafte  of  war, 
I  could  in  bitternefs  have  curs'd  the  Great 
Who  made  me  what  I  was  !  a  helplefs  one, 
Orphan'd,  and  wanting  bread  !" 

"  And  be  they  curft,"  470 
Conrade  exclaim'd,  his  dark  eye  flafliing  rage  ; 
iC  And  be  they  curft  I  O  groves  and  woodland  fhades, 
How  bleft  indeed  were  you,  if  the  iron  rod 
Should  one  day  from  Oppreflion's  hand  be  wrench'd 
By  everlafting  Juftice  I  come  that  hour  475 

When  in  the  Sun  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  8 
Shall  ftand  and  cry  to  all  the  fowls  of  Heaven, 
1  Gather  ye  to  the  fupper  of  your  God, 


io+  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

That  ye  may  eat  the  flefh  of •  mighty  men, 
Of  Captains,  and  of  Kings !'  Then  fhall  be  peace  48CP 
When — Author  of  all  ills  that  flefh  endures, 
Oppression,  in  the  bottomlefs  abyfs 
Shall  fall  to  rife  no  m<*re  V  The  Maid  purfued  : 
"  And  now,  left  all  fhould  perifh,  was  decreed 
That  from  the  town  the  females  and  the  infirm  48^ 
Should,  out-caft,  feek  their  fate.     I  may  not  now 
Recal  the  moment,  when  on  my  poor  Francis, 
With  a  long  look  I  hung  !    At  dead  of  night, 
Made  mute  by  fear,  we  mount  the  fecret  bark, 
And  glide  ado wn  the  ftream  with  filent  oars  :     490' 
Thus  thrown  upon  the  mercy  of  mankind. 
I  wandered  recklefs  where,  till  wearied  out 
And  cold  at  heart,  I  laid  me  down  to  die  : 
So  by  this  warrior  found.     Him  I  had  known 
And  loved,  for  all  loved  Conrade  who  had  known-' 
him.  495. 

Nor  did  I  feel  fo  prefling  the  hard  hand 
Of  want  in  Orleans,  ere  he  parted  thence 
On  perilous  envoy.     For  of  his  fmall  fare" — 
"  Of  this  enough,"  faid  Conrade,  "  Holy  Maid  ! 
One  duty  yet  awaits  me  to  perform.  500'- 

Orleans  he-r  envoy  fent  me,   claiming  aid 
From  her  inactive  fovereign.     Willingly 
Did  I  achieve  the  hazardous  enterprize, 
For  Rumor  had  already  made  me  fear- 


BOOK    THE    FIFTH.  105 

The  ill  that  had  fallen  on  me.     It  remains         505 

Ere  I  do  bapifh  me  from  human  kind, 

That  I  re-enter  Orleans,  and  announce 

Thy  march.     'Tis  night— and  hark  !   how  dead  a 

filence  ! 
Fit  hour  to  tread  fo  perilous  a  path  !" 
So  faying,  Conrade  from  the  tent  went  forth.     510 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH. 


ARGtJMENT.- 

Senrade  on  his  way  to  Orleans  releafes  a  French  foldief,- 
He  enters  that  city*  Council  of  the  leaders.  Their 
determination.  Summons  of  the  Maid  to  the  EngliJIi 
Generals.  They  receive  it  with  fcorn.  The  Maid7 
attacks,  defeats  them,  and  enters  Orleans  in  triumph 
at  midnight,  amid  thunder  and  lightning. 

nrr 
JL  HE  flight  Was  calm,  and  many  a  moving  cloud" 

Shadowed' the  moon.     Along  the  foreft  glade 

With  fwift  foot  Conrade  paft,  and  now  had  reach'd* 

The  plain,  where  whilome  by  the  pleafant  Loire, 

Cheer'd  with  the  fong,  the  nifties  had  beheld  <f 

The  day  go  down  upon  their  merriment  : 

No  fong  of  Peace  now  echoed  on  its  banks. 

There  tents- were  pitched — and  there  the  centinel, 

Slow  pacing  on  his  fullen  rounds,  beheld 

The  frequent  corfe  roll  down  the  tainted  flream.  10 

Conrade  with  wider  fweep  purfuedhis  way, 

Shunning  the  camp,  now  huhYd  in  fleep  and  ftill. 

And  now  no  found  was  heard  fave  of  the  Loire, 

Murmuring  along.     The  noife  of  coming  feet 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH.  107 

Alarm'd  him.     Nearer  drew  the  fearful  found     15 
As  of  purfult — anon — the  clam  of  arms  ! 
That  inftant  rifmg  o'er  a  broken  cloud 
The  moon  beams  ihone,  where  two  with  combined 
Preft  on  a  fmgle  foe  :  he,  warding  ftill  [force 

Their  fwords,  retreated  in  the  unequal  light,        2Q 
As  he  would  make  the  city.     Conrade  fhook 
His  long  lance  for  the  war,  and  ftrode  along. 
Pull  in  the  breaft  of  one  with  forceful  arm 
Plunged  he  the  fpear  of  death  ;  and  as,  difmayed 
By  his  fellow's  fall,  the  other  turn'd  to  fly,  25 

Hurl'd  the  red  weapon  reeking  from  the  wound, 
And  nVd  him  to  the  plain.     "  Now  hafle  we  on, 
Frenchman !"  he  cried.  On  to  the  ft  ream  they  fpeed, 
And  plunging  ftemm'd  with  fmewy  ftroke  the  tide. 
Soon  on  the  oppofite  more  arrived  and  fafe.  30 

>*<  "Whence  commit  thou  ?"    cried  the   Chief;  "  on 

what  high  charge 
•Commiffion/d  I"    "  Is  it  not  the  yoice  of  Conrade  ¥> 
Francis  exclaim'd  ;  "  and  doft  thou  bring  to  us 
<(  Tidings  of  fpeedy  aid  I  oh  !  had  it  come 
A  few  hours  earlier  !  Jfabel  is  gone  (•'  35 

il  Nay,  (he  is  fafe,"  cried  Conrade,  "  her  I  found 
When  wilder'd  in  the  foreft,  and  coafign'd 
To  the  protection  of  that  holy  Maid, 
The  delegate  of  Heaven,     One  evening  more 
And  thou  {halt  have  thine  IfabeU      Now  fay,     49 
Wherefore  alone  ?      A  fugitive  from  Orleans, 
Or  fent  on  dangerous  fervice  from  the  town  I" 


io8.  JOAN    OF   4kC. 

"  There  is  no  food  in  Orleans,"  he  replied, 
"  Scarce  a  meal  more  !  the  aflembled  Chiefs  refolved 
If  thou  mouldfl  bring  no  tidings  of  near  aid      45 
To  cut  their  way  to  fafety,  or  by  death 
Prevent  the  pang  of -famine.     One  they  fought 
Who  venturous  in  the  Englifli  camp  fhould  fpy 
Where  fafeft  they  might  rufh  upon  the  foe. 
The  perilous  tafk  I  chofe,  then  defperate  50 

Of  happinefs."    So  faying  they  approached 
The  gate.     The  centinel,  foon  as  he  heard 
Thitherward  footfteps,  with  uplifted  lance 
Challenged  the  darkling  travellers.     At  their  voice 
He  draws  the  ftrong  bolts  back,  and  painful  turns  55 
The  many  entrance.     To  the  careful  chiefs 
They  jpafs.     At  midnight  of  their  extreme  ftate 
Counfellmg  they  fat,  ferious  and  ftern.     To  them 
Conrade.     "  AfTembled  Warriors  !  Tent  from  God 
There  is  a  holy  Maid  by  miracles  60 

Made  manifeft.     Twelve  hundred  chofen  men 
Follow  her  hallowed  ftandard.     Thefe  Dunois, 
The  itrength  of  France,  arrays.   With  the  next  nooi 
Ye  ihall  behold  their  march."     Aftonifliment 
Seized  the  convened  Chiefs,  and  joy  by  doubt      6$ 
Little  reprefs'd.     "  Open  the  granaries  !" 
Xaintrailles  exclaim'd.     "  Give  we  to  all  the  hoft 
With  hand  unfparing  now  the  plenteous  meal  ; 
.To-morrow  we  are  fafe.     For  Heaven  all  juft 
Has  feen  our  fufferings  and  decreed  their  end.     7.3 
J.ct  the  glad  tidings  echo  thro'  the  town  j 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH.  109 

God  is  with  us  !"     "  Reft  not  in  too  full  faith," 
D'Orval  replied,  "  on  this  miraculous  aid. 
Some  frenzied  female  whofe  wild  phantafy, 
Shaping  vain  dreams,  infects  the  credulous  75 

With  her  own  madnefs !  That  Dunois  is  there, 
Leading  in  arms  twelve  hundred  chofen  men, 
Cheers  me  :  yet  let  not  we  our  little  food 
Be  lavifh'd,  left  the  warrior  in  the  fight 
Should  haply  fail,  and  Orleans  he  the  prey  80 

Of  England!"   "Chief!  I  tell  thee,"  Conrade  cried, 
«'  I  did  myfelf  behold  the  marble  tomb 
Burft,  to  the  holy  Maid  difclofmg  arms 
Held  in  the  grave  inviolate  for  her. 
*She  is  the  Delegate  of  the  Moft  High,  85 

And  fhall  deliver  Orleans  !"    Gaucour  then, 
-"  Be  it  as  thou  haft  faid.     High  Hope  I  feel, 
For  to  no  vulgar  tale  would  Conrade  yield 
Belief,  or  he  the  Baftard.     Our  fmall  ftores 
Muft  yield  us  ere  another  week  elapfe,  90 

To  death  or  England.     Tell  thro*  all  our  troops 
There  is  a  holy  Virgin  fent  from  God  ; 
They  in  that  faith  invincible  fhall  war 
With  more  than  mortal  fury."     Thus  the  Chief, 
And  what  he  faid  feem'd  good.  The  men  of  Orleans, 
Long  by  their  foemen  bayed,  a  victim  band, 
-To  war,  and  woe,  and  want,  fuch  tranfport  felt 
As  when  the  Mexicans,  with  eager  eye   x 
•Gazing  to  Huixachtla's  diftant  top, 
On  that  laft  night,  doubtful  if  ever  morn         100 


Tip  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Again  ftiall  cheer  them,  mark  the  my/lic  fire* 
That  kindled  by  the  fierce   Copolcan  prieft, 
Flames  on  the  breaft  of  fome  brave  prifoner, 
A  dreadful  altar.     As  they  fee  the  blaze 
Beaming  on  Iztapalapan's  near  towers,  105 

Or  on  Tezcuco's  calmy  lake  fiafhld  far, 
Songs  of  tljankfgiving  and  the  fhout  of  joy 
Wake  the  loud  echo  ;  the  glad  hufband  tears 
The  mantling  aloe  from  the  female's  face, 
And  children,  now  deliver'd  from,  the  dread       11  p 
Of  everlafting  darknefs,  look  abroad, 
Hail  the  good  omen,  and  expect  the  fun 
Uninjur'd  ftill  to  run  his  flaming  race. 

Thus  w-hilft  in  that  befieged  town  the  night 
Wain'd  fleeplefs,  filent  jflept  the  hallowed  hoft.    1  i£ 
And  now  the  morning  came.    From  his  hard  couch, 
Lightly  upftarting  and  bedight  in  arms, 
The  Baftard  moved  along,  with  provident  eye 
Marfhalling  the  troops.      All   high   in   hope  they 

march. 
A.ud  now  the.fun  mot  from  the  fouthern  iky       1 20 
His  noon-tide  radiance,  when  afar  they  hear 
The  hum  of  men,  and  mark  the  diftant  towers 
Of  Orleans,  and  the  bulwarks  of  the  foe, 
And  many  a  ftreamer.  wantoning  in  air. 
Thefe  as  they  faw  and  thought  of  all  the  ills      .1 23 
Their  brethren  had  endur'd  beleager'd  there 
For  many  a. month  ;  fuch  ardor  for  the  fight 
,B)irnt  in  each  bofom,  as  young  AHjfelt 


BOOK   THE  SIXTH.  m 

When  to  the  afTembled  tribe  Mohammed  fpake, 
Afking  for' one  his  Vizier,     Fierce  in  faith;  130 

Forth  from  the  race  of  Hafhem  ftept  the  youth, 
"  Prophet  of  God  !    lo— I  will  be  the  man  !" 
Nor  did  not  Ali  merit  that  higbf  pOfH 
Victorious  upon  Beder's  fertile  vale,' 
And  on  mount  Ohud,   and  before  the  walls        13^*5 
Gf  Chaibar,  then  when  cleaving  to  the  chefl 
His  giant  foe,  he  grafp'd  the  many  gate$ 
Shook  with  ftrong  arm  and  tore  it  from  the  fort, 
And  lifted  it  in  air — portentous  fbield  ! 

"  Behold  the  towers  of  Orleans,"  criedDunois.  146 
w  Lo  !    this  the  vale  where  on  the  banks  of  Loire,' 
Gf  yore,  at  ciofe  of  day  the  fa  ft  ic  band 
Danced  to  the  roundelay.     In  younger  years 
As  oft  I  glided  down  the  filver  ftream, 
Frequent  upon  the  lifted  oar  I  paus'd  14^ 

Lift'ning  the  found  of  far-off  merriment. 
There  wave  the  Englifh  banners  !  martial  Maid, 
Give  thou  the  fignal — let  me  rufh  upon 
Thefe  minifters  of  murder,  who  have  fack'd 
The  fruitful  fields,  and  made  the  hamlet  haunts    1 50 
Silent— *or  hearing  but  the  widow's  groan. 
Give  thou  the  fignal,  Maiden  !"     Her  dark  eye 
Fix'd  fadly  on  the  foe,  the  holy  Maid 
Ahfwer'd  him.     li  Ere  the  bioody  fword  be  drawn, 
Ere-  flaughter  be  let  loofe — befits  us  fend  1 5$ 

Some  peaceful  mefTenger,  who  fhall  make  known 
The  will  of  Heaven.     So  timely  warn'd,  our  foes- 


in  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Haply  may  yet  repent,  and  quit  in  peaee 

Befieged  Orleans.     Victory  is  fad 

When  even  one  man  is  murder'd."    So  fhe  faid,  16c* 

And  as  fhe  fpake  a  foldier  from  the  ranks 

Advanced.     "  I  will  be  thy  Meffenger, 

Maiden- of  God  T  I  to  the  Englifh  camp 

Will  bear  thy  bidding."      "  Go/'the  Virgin  cried,. 

"  Say  to  the  Chief  of  Salisbury,  and  the  hoft      165 

Attending— Suffolk,  Faftolffe,  Talbot,  Scales, 

Invaders  of  the  country — fay,  thus  fays 

The  Maid  01?  D*i&gvt&»    "  With  your  troops  retire. 

In  peace.     Of:  every  captur'd  town  the  keys 

E.eftore  to  Charles  ;  fo  bloodlefs  you  may  feek  170 

Your  native  England  ;  for  the  God  of  Hofts 

Thus  has  decreed-     To  Charles  the   rightful  heir, 

By  long  defcent  and  voluntary  choice 

Of  duteous  fubjecls,  hath  the  Lord  afllgn'd 

His  conqueft.     In  his  name  the  Virgin  comes     1 75 , 

Arm'd  with  his  fword — -yet  not  of  mercy  void. 

Depart  in  peace  :   for  ere  the  morrow  dawns, 

Victorious  upon  Orleans'  wall  mall  wave 

The  holy  banner,"     To  the  Englifh  camp 

Fearlefs  the  warrior  ftrode.    At  mid-day  meal,  180 

With  all  the  diflbnance  of  boiilerous  mirth, 

The  Britifh  Chiefs  carous'd  and  quaff 'd  the  bowl 

To  future  conqueft.     By  the  centinel 

Conducted  came  the  Frank.    "Chiefs,"  he  exclaim'd, 

"  Salifbury,  and  ye  the  reprefentatives  •    1  85 

Of  the  Engliih  King,  ufurper  of  this  realm ,. 


BOOK   THE    SIXTH.  113 

To  ye  the  leaders  of  the  invading  hofl 

I  come,  no  welcome  mefTenger.     Thus  fays 

The  Maid  of  Orlean s.    "  With  your  troops  retire 

In  peace.     Of  every  captur'd  town  the  keys       190 

Reftore  to  Charles  ;  fo  bloodlefs  may  you  feek 

Your  native  England  ; .for  the  God  of  Hofts 

Thus  has  decreed.!'    To  Charles  the  rightful  heir, 

By  long  defcent  and  voluntary  choice 

Of  duteous  fubjecls,  hath  the  Lord  affign'd        195 

His  conqueft.     In  his  name  the  Virghvcomes, 

Arm'd  with  his  fword,  yet  not  of  mercy  void. 

Depart  in  peace  ;  for  ere  the  morrow  dawns,. 

Victorious  upon  Orleans'  wall  fhall  wave 

The  holy;  banner*""    Wonder  made,  a  paufe  ;     200 

To  this  the  laugh  fucceeds,  "  What  I"  FaflolfFe  cried, 

**  A  woman,  warrior  has  your  monarch  fent 

To  fave  devoted  Orleans  I.    By  the  rood 

I  thank  his  Grace.     If  fhe  be.young  and.  fair 

No  worthlefs  prize,  my  Lords..    Go  tell  your  Maid 

Joyful  we  wait  her  coming.""     "^Get  thee  gone," 

Sternly  cried  Talbot^  "  thou -who  think'ft  to  fcare. 

With  girlifh  phantafies  the  Englimhoft. 

That  fcorns  your  braveft  warriors.     Hiethee  hence, 

Infolent  herald  1  tell  this  frantic  girl,  &lq 

This  courtly  minion,  to  avoid  my  wrath*., 

For  if  fhe  dares  the  war,,  I  will. not  ftain 

My  good-blood-rufted  fword — but  {fee  fhall  meet 

The  mockery  of  the  camp."     "  Nay,  fcare  her  not," 

Replied  their Chiefc  "go  tell  thisMaid  ofOrleans,  2 1< 


1 14  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

That  Salifbury  longs  to  meet  her  in  the  fight. 
Nor  let  her  fear  that  rude  and  iron  chains 
Shall  gall  her  tender  limbs  ;  for  I  myfelf 
Will  be  her  prifon,  and—"     "  Contemptuous  Man  \ 
No  more,"  the  Frank  exclaimed,  as  to  his  cheek  220- 
Rufh'd  the  red  anger.     "  Bearing  words  of  peace 
And  timely  warning,  came  I  to  your  camp, 
Here  with  rude  mock'ry  and   flern  infolence 
Received.    Bear  witnefs,  Chieftains!  that  the  French, 
Free  from  blood-guiltinefs,  fhall  meet  the  war."  225 
So  faying,  he  departed.     Thro'  the  tents 
As  him  the  centinel  conducted,. round 
He  gaz'd  and  cried  ;  "  Oh  !   I  am  fad  to  think 
So  many  men  mail  never  fee  the  fun 
Go  down  !  Ye  Englilh  mothers,  mourn  ye  now,  2.3Q 
Daughters  of.  England  weep  !  for  hard  of  heart 
Still  your  mad  leaders  urge  the  impious  war, 
And  for  their  folly  and  their  wickednefs 
Your  fons,  your  hufbands,  by  the  fworcl  muft  fall. 
Widow'd  and  friendlefs,  ye  flial'l" fit  and  weep,    231 
And,  wanting  bread,  groan  for  the  murdered  onej 
In  whom  your  joys  were  murdered  !"   So  he  cried 
And  they  who  heard  him  trembled.    Thro'  the  hod 
Ran  the  ftrange  tidings.      For  the  fight  they  arm? 
Eager  for  war  no  longer,  nor  of  blood  240 

Greedy,  but  palfied  by  religious  dread. 
Some  by  bold  words  feeking  to  hide  their  fear 
Even  from  themfelves ;  fome  of  the.  coming  fray 
Murmuring  in  hints  half  heard;  thor  underftood  ; 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH.  iv^ 

Some  deadly  pale  and  ominous  of  death,  245 

Silently  flood  and  breath'd  the  inward  prayer. 

Meantime  the  herald  had  with  hafly  fleps- 
Rejoin'd  the  hallowed  troops.       "  Maiden  of  God  ! 
Vainly  I  proffer'd  peace  to  the  proud  chiefs : 
Their  hearts  are  hardened." 

Thro'  the  marfhall'd  band     250 
Ran  the  loud  cry,  "  Lead,  lead -us  to  the  foe  !" 
The  miffion'd  Maid  exclaim'd,  "  Not -upon  us, 
Not  upon  us,  cry  out  the  innocent  blood !" 
Given. was  the  fignal  now  :  and  now  were  heard 
The  clarion's  clangor,  and  the  trumpet's  blaft,  255 
Soul-roufmg  founds.     Like  two  conflicting   clouds, 
Pregnant  with  thunder,  rufh'd  the  hoflile  hofls. 
Then  man  met  man; — then  on  the  batter'd  fhield 
Rung  the  loud  lance,  and  thro*  the  darken'd  Iky. 
3*  aft  fell  the  arrowy  ftorm.     Amidfl  his  foes     26o_ 
The  Ballard's  arm .  fway'd  irrefiftible 
The  flrok.es  of  death  ;  and  by  his  fide  the  Maid' 
Led  the  fierce  fight ;  the  Maid,  tho'  all  unus'd 
To  the  rude  conflict,  now  infpir'd  by  Heaven* 
Flafhing  her  flamy  falchion  thro'  the  troops        265 
That  like  the  thunderbolt,  where'er  it  fell, 
Scattered  the  trembling  ranks.     Nor  plated  fliield, 
Nor  the  flrong  hauberk,  nor- the  crefled  cafque, 
Stay  that  defcending  fword.     Dreadful  fhe  moved, 
Like  as  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  went  forth         270 
And  fmote  his  army,  when  the  Affyrian  King, 
Haughty  of  Hamath  and  Sepharvaim  fallen, 


ii6  JOA-H    OF   ARC. 

Blafphem'd  the  God  of  Ifrael.     Yet  the  fight- 
Hung  doubtful,  where  exampling  hardieft  deeds, 
Salifbury  raow'd  down  the  foe,  and  Faftolffe  drove,;. 
And  in  the  hotted  doings  of  the  wrar 
Towered  Talbot.     He*  remembering  the  pall  day 
When  from  his  name  the  affrighted  fons  of  France. 
Fled  trembling,  all  aftonifh'd  at  their  force 
And  wontlefs  valor,  rages  round  the  field  280- 

Dreadful  in  fury  ;  yet  in  every  man 
Meeting  .a- foe  fearlefs,  and  in,  the  faith 
O&Heaven's  affiftance  firm.     The  clang  of  arms 
Reaches- the  walls  of  Orleans-.     For  the  war 
Prepared,  and  confident  of  victory,  285; 

Speed  forth  thet  troops.  -   Not  when  afar  exhal'd 
The  hungry,  raven  fnuffs  the  fleam  of  blood 
That  from  fome  carcafs-cover'd  field  of  fame 
Taints  the  pure-  air,  wings  he  more  eagerly 
To  riot  on  the  gore,  than  ruftVd  the  ranks  ;      290 
Impatient  now  for  many  an  ill  endur'd 
In  the  long  fiege?-  to.  wreak  uppntheir  foes 
Due  vengeance.-  Then  more  fearful  grew  the  fray; - 
The  fwords  that  late  flafti'd  to- the- evening  fun, 
Now  loft  in  blood  their  radiance.    O'er  the  hoft  205 
Howl'd  the  deep,.- wind  that  ominous  of  ftorms 
Roll'd  on  the  lurid  clouds*     The  blacken' d  night 
Frown'd,  and  the  thunder  from  the  troubled  fky 
Roar?d  hollow.    Javelins  clafh'dand  bucklers  rang  .;- 
Shield  prefl  on  fhield ;  loud  on  the  helmet  jarr'd 
The  ponderous  battle-axe ;  the  groan  of  death- 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH*  117 

Commingling. frequent  with  the  ftorm  was  heard, 
And  the  ihrill  fhriek  of  Fear.     Amid  the  ftorm 
Slaughter  exultant  rides.     His  giant  limbs 
Beftride  the  whirlwind,  and  his  red  right  arm     305" 
Arrowed  the  lightning.      Frantic  Fury  howls 
Amid  the  thickeft  ranks,  and  from  her  torch 
Tartarean  Sallies  fhook,  and  loud  was  heard 
Horror's  dread  fhriek  amid  the  wilduiproarv. 

Lo  I  where  the  holy  banner  waved  aloft       5*1  o 
The  lambent  lightnings  play'd.     Irradiate  round.' 
As  with  a  blaze  of  glory,  o'er  the  field* 
It  mot  miraculous  fplendor.     Then  their  hearts 
Sunk,  and  the  Englifh  trembled.     With  fuch  fear 
PofTefled,  as  when.the  combined  h oft  beheld       3 1  :j 
The  fun  (land  ftiH  on  Gibeon,  at  the  voice 
Of  that  king-conquering  warrior,  he  who  fmote 
The  country  of  the  hills, ..and  of  .the  fouth,. 
From  Baal-gad  to  Halak,  and  their  Kings^- 
Even  as  the  Lord  commanded.     Swift  they  fled  320 
From  that  portentous  banner,  and  the  fword 
Of  France  ;  tho'  Talbot  with  vain  valiancy 
Yet  urged  the  war,  and  ftemm'd  alone  the  tide 
Ofconqueft.     Even  their  leaders  felt  difmay  j ,. 
FaftolfFe  ikd  faft,  and  Saliibury  in  the  rout       325* 
Mingles,  and  all  impatient  of  defeat, 
Borne  backward  Talbot  turns.     Then  echoed  loud 
The  cry  ofconqueft.     Deeper  grew  the  ftorm, 
And  darknefs,  hovering  o'er  on  raven_wing, 
Brooded  the  field  of  death.     Nor  in  the  camp  330 


n8  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Deem  themfelves  fafe  the  trembling  fugitives. 
On  to  the  forts  they  liafte.     Bevvilder'd  there 
Amid  the  moats  by  fear,  and  the  dead  gloom 
Of  more  than  midnight  darknefs,  plunge  the  troopsy 
Grufh'd  by  fa  ft  following  numbers  who  partake    335 
The  death  they  give.      As  rufhing  from  the  fnows 
Of  winter  liquified,  the  torrent  tide 
Refiftlefs  down  the  mountain  rolls  along, 
Till  at  the  brink;  of  giddy  precipice 
Arrived ,  with  deaf'ning clkmcr  down  it  falls  f  340^ 
Thus  borne  along,  the  affrighted  Englifti  troops 
Driven  by  the  force  behind  them,  plunge  amid 
The  liquid*  deathi     TlienTDfe  the  dreadful  cries 
More  dreadful,  and  the  dafh' of  breaking  waves 
That  to  the  parang  lightning  as  they  broke         34 
Gleam'd  horrible.     Nor  of  the  hoft  fo  late 
Triumphing  in  the  pride  of  victory, 
And  fvvoln  with  confidence,  had  now  efcap'd ' 
One  wretched  remnant,  had  not  Talbot's  mind, 
Slow  as  he  mov'd  unwilling  fromthe  War,  350- 

What  moil'  might  profit  the  defeated  ranks; 
Pondered.     He  reaching  fafe  ths  mafTyfort 
By.  St.  John's  name  made  holy,  kindled  up 
The  guiding  fire.     Not'unobfeiVd'it  blaz'd  ; 
The  watchful  guards  on  Tournelles,  and  the  pile 
Of  that  proud'  city,  in  remembrance  fond 
CalPd  London,  light  the  beacon.     Nor  aloft 
Did  they  not  flame  from  every fmaller 'fort,  [moats •' 
That  firm  entrenched  with   walls   and  deep-delv'd- 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH,  119 

Included  Orleans,    O'er  the  fhadowy  plain  360 

They  caft  a  lurid  fplendor  ;  to  the  troops 
Orateful,  as  to  the  way-worn  traveller, 
Wand'ring  with  parched  feet  o'er  the  Arabian  fknds, 
The  far-feen  ciftern ;  he  for  many  a  league 
Travelling  the  tracklefs  defolate,  where  heaved  3  65 
With  tempeft  fwell  the  defart  billows  round, 
Paufes,  and  fhudders  at -his  perils  paft, 
Then  wild  with  joy  fpeeds  on  to  tafte  the  wave 
So  long  bewail'd.     Swift  .as  the  affrighted  herd 
Scud  o'er  the  plain,  wlien  frequent  thro'  the  fky  370 
Flafh  the  fierce  lightnings,  fpeed  the  routed  hoft 
Of  England.     To  the  fheltering  forts  they  hafte, 
Though  fafe,  of  fafety  doubtful,,  (till  appall'd 
And  trembling,  as  the  pilgrim  who  by  night 
On  his  way  wilder' d,  to  the  wolf's  deep  howl     3,75 
Hears  the  wood  echo,  when  from  the  fell  bea.fl 
Efcap'd,  of  fome  tall  tree  the  topmoft  branch 
He  grafps  clofe-elinging,.ftill  of  that  keen  fang 
Fearful,  his  teeth  jar,  and  the  big  drops  ftand 
On  his  cold  quiv'ring  limbs.    /Npr  now  the  Maid 
Greedy  of  vengeance  urges  the  purfuit. 
She  bids  the  trumpet  of  retreat  refound. ; 
A  pleafant  mufic  to  the  routed  ranks 
Blows  the  -loud  blaft.     .Obedient  to  its  voice 
The  French,  tho'.  eager  onthe.invaders'  heads     385 
To  wreak  their  wrath,  ftay  the  victorious,  fword. 

Loud  is  the  cry  of  conqueft  as  they  turn 
To  Orleans.     There  what  few  to. guard  the  towja. 


X20  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Unwilling  had  remained,. hade  forth  to  meet 
The  triumph.    Many  a  blazing  torch  they  held   390 
That  rais'd  aloft  amid  the  midnight  ftorm, 
Flafh'd  far  a.  feftive  light.     The  Maid  advanced- 
Deep  through  the  iky  the  hollow  thunders  roll'd— 
Innocuous  lightnings  round  the  hallowed  banner 
Wreath'd  their  red  radiance. 

Through  the  open'd  gate    395 
Slow  paft  the  laden  convoy.     Then  was  heard 
The  fhout  of.exultation,  and  iuch  joy 
The  men  of  Orleans  at  that  welcome  fight 
PofTefs'd  ;  as  when  from  Baclria  late  fubdued, 
The  Macedonian  Madman  led  his  troops  400 

Amid  the  Sogdian  defart,  where  no  ftream 
Waftes  on  the  wild  its  fertilizing  waves. 
Fearful  alike  to  paufe,  or  to  proceed  ; 
Scorch' d  by  the  fun  that  o'er  their  morning  march 
Steam'd  his  hot  vapors,  heart  fubdued  and  faint 
Such  joy  as  then  they  felt,  when  from  the  heights 
Burft  the  foul-gladdening  found  !  for  thence  was  fee 
The  evening  fun  filvering  the  tide  below, 
Where  Oxus  roll'd  along.     Clamors  of  joy 
Echo  along  the  ftreet  of  Orleans,  wont  410 

Long  time  to  hear  the  infant's  feeble  cry, 
The  mother's  frantic  fhriek,  or  the  dread  found, 
When  from  the  cannon  burft  its  ftores  of  death. 
Far  flames  the  fire  of  joy  on  ruin'd  piles, 
And  high-heap'd  carcaiTes,  whence  fcar'd  away  415 


n 

■ 


BOOK   THE   SIXTH.  121 

From  his  abhorsed  meal,  on  clattering  wing 
Rofe  the  night-raven  flow.     In  the  Englifh  forts 
Sad  was  the  fcene.     There  all  the  livelong  night 
Steals  in  the  ftraggling  fugitive  ;  as  when, 
Paft  is  the  ftorm,  and  o'er  the  azure  flcy  420 

Serenely  fhines  the  fun  ;  with  ev'ry  breeze 
The  waving  branches  drop  their  gather'd  rain9 
Renewing  the  remembrance  of  the  ftorm. 


BOOK  THE    SEVENTH, 


ARGUMENT. 

Befcription  of  the  Englijh  forts.  The  French  troops 
attack  and  capture  the  forts  cf  St,  Loup  and  St.  John. 
Attack  of  Fort  London,  Salifbury  encounters  the 
Maid,  Event  of  that  encounter.  The  Tournelles 
furrounded  by  the  French,  who  difpatch  a  troop  to  Or- 
leans  for  provifions,  and  e?ica?nj)  before  it  for  the  night, 

QTRONG  were  the  Englift  forts,  by  daily  toil 
Of  thoufands  reared  on  high,  what  time,  elate 
With  fancied  conqueft,  Salifbury  hade  rife 
The  amazing  pile,  from  fuccour  to  include 
Befieged  Orleans.     Round  the  city  walls 
Stretch'd  the  wide  circle,  mafly  as  the  fence 
Erft  by  the  fearful  Roman  on  the  bounds 
Of  Caledonia  rais'd,  for,  foul-enflaved, 
Her  hireling  plunderers  fear'd  the  car-borne  cl)i 
Who  rufh'd  from  Morven  down.     Strong  battle- 
Crefted  the  mighty  bulwarks  on  whofe  top    [ment 
Secure  the  charioteer  might  wheel  along. 
From  bafe  declining  ;  at  juft  diftance  rofe 
The  frequent  buttrefs,  and  thrice  twenty  forts 
Lifted  alpft  their  turret^crowned  heads,  15 


BOOK   THE    SEVENTH.  123 

All  firm  and  mafly.     But  of  thefe  moft  firm 
As  though  of  fome  large  caftle  each  the  Keep 
Stood  fix  fquare  fortreffes  with  turrets  flank'd, 
Piles  of  unequall'd  ftrengtb — tho'  now  deem'd  weak 
'Gain  ft  puiilanee  more  than  mortal,  and  the  flames 
Shot  from  eeleftial  banner.     Safely  hence 
The  fkilful  archer  entering  with  his  eye 
The  city,  might  himfelf  the  while  unfeen, 
Thro*  the  long  opening,  {bower  his  winged  death?, 
Loire's  waves  diverted  fi-ll'd  the  deep-dug  moat    25 
Circling  the  pile,  a  bulwark  vaft,  as  what 
Round  their  dilheai  tened  camp  and  branded  (hips 
The  GTreeks  uprear'd,  a  common  fepulchre 
Of  thoufands  flaughter'd,  and  the  doom'd  death- 
place 
Of  many  a  Chief,  when  Priam's  patriot  fbn  30 

Rufh'd  in  his  wrath  and  fcattered  their  pale  tribes. 

But  cowering  now  amid  their  fheltering  forts 
Tremble  the  Englifb  hoft.     Their  leader's  care 
In  anxious  vigilance  prepares  to  ward 
Aflault  expeded.     Nor  the  Maid's  intent  35 

Did  be  not  rightly  aread  :  tho'  vain  the  attempt 
To  kindle  in  their  breads  the  wonted  flame 
Of  valor  j  for  by  prodigies  unmann'd 
They  wait  the  morning,  or  in  filent  dread, 
Or  pouring  out  their  fears  in  many  a  prayer.       4c 

The  morning  came.     The  martial  Maid  arofe. 
Lovely  in  arms  fhe  moved.     Around  the  gate 
Eager  again  for  conqueft  throng  the  troops. 


224  JOAN   OF    ARC. 

High  towered  the  Son  of  Orleans,  in  his  ftrength 
Poifing  the  ponderous  fpear.    His  batter'd  fhield,  45 
Witneiling  the  fierce  fray  of  yefternight, 
Hung  on  his  finewy  arm.     "  Maiden  of  Arc, 
Hail  !"  fo,  to  her  approaching,  cried  the  Chief. 
"  Well  haft  thou  prov'd  thy  million,  as,  by  words 
And  miracles  attefted  when  difmayed  50 

The  ftern  Theologifts  forgot  their  doubts, 
So  in  the  field  of  flaughter  now  confirm'd. 
Yon  well-fenced  forts  protect  the  fugitives, 
And  feem  as  in  their  ftrength  they  mock'd  our  force. 
Yet  muft  they  fall." 

"  And  fall  they  (hall  !"  replied    55 
The  Maid  of  Orleans.     "  Ere  the  fun  be  fet 
The  lily  on  that  fhattered  wall  fhall  wave 
Triumphant.— Men  of  France  !  ye  have  fought  well 
On  that  blood-reeking  plain.     Your  humbled  foes 
Lurk  trembling  now  amid  their  mafly  walls.        6© 
Wolves  that  have  ravaged  the  neglected  flock  ! 
The  Shepherd — the  Great  Shepherd  is  arifen  ! 
Ye  fly  !   yet  fhall  not  ye  by  flight  efcape 
His  vengeance.     Men  of  Orleans  !  it  were  vain 
By  words  to  waken  wrath  within  your  breafts.      65 
Look  round.    Your  holy  buildings  and  your  homes-- - 
lluins  that  choke  the  way  !   your  populous  town- 
One  open  fepulchre  !    Who  is  there  here 
That  does  not  mourn  a  friend,  a  brother  {lain, 
A  parent  famifh'd — or  his  dear  loved  wife  70 

Torn  from  his  bofom— outcaft--- brokenhearted-- 


BOOK    THE    SEVENTH.  125 

Caft  on-tfce  mercy-  of  mankind  I"     She  ceafed. 

The  cry  of  indignation  from  the  hoft  ' 

Burft  forth,  and  all  impatient  for  the  war 

Demand  the  fignal.     Thefe  Dunois  arrays  75 

In  four  battalions.     Xaintrailles,  tried  in  war, 

Commands  the  firft  ;.  Xaintrailles,  who  oft  fubdued 

By  adverfe  fortune  to  the  captive  chain, 

Still  more  tremendous  to  the  enemy? 

Lifted  his  death-fraught  lance,  as  erft  from  earth  80 

Antaeus  vaunting  in  his  giant  bulk, 

When  grafpt  by  force  Herculean,  down  he  fell 

Vanquifht ;  anon  uprofe  more  fierce  for  war. 

Gaucour  o'er  one  prefides.     The  fteady  friend 
Of  him  imprifon'd  Orleans.     Of  his  town  85 

Belov'd  guardian,  he  the  dreadful  fiege 
Firmly  abiding,  prudent  ft  ill  to  plan 
Irruption,  and  with  youthful  vigor  fwift 
To  lead  the  battle*  from  his  foldiers  love 
Prompter  obedience  gained,  than  ever  fear  90 

Forced  from  the  heart  reluctant*     The  third  band 
Alencon  leads*     He  on  the  fatal  field 
Verneuil,  when  Buchan  and  the  Douglas  died, 
Fell  fenfelefs.     Guiltlefs  he  of  that  day's  lofs, 
Wore  undifgraced  awhile  the  captive  chain.         95 
The  Monarch  him  grateful  to  his  high  rank 
Had  ranfom'd,  once  again  to  meet  the  foe 
With  better  fortune.     O'er  the  laft  prefides 
Dunois  the  Baftard,  mighty  in  the  war. 
His  prowefs  knew  the  foes,  and  his  fair  fame     ice 


126  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Confefs'd,  fince  when  before  his  (tripling  arm 
Fled  Warwick— Warwick,  that  King-making  Chief, 
In  after  days  the  arbiter  of  England, 
Who,  bearing  on  his  fword  her  diadem, 
Gave  or  bereft  at  will.     Yet  by  Dunois  105 

Baffled,  and  yielding  him  the  conqueror's  praife. 
And  by  his  fide  the  martial  Maiden  pafs'd, 
Lovely  in  arms  as  that  Arcadian  boy 
Parthenopaeus,  when  the  war  of  beafts 
Difdaining,  he  to  murder  man  rufh'd  forth,       no 
Bearing  the  bow,  and  thofe  Didaean  fhafts 
Diana  gave,  when  fhe  the  youth's  fair  form 
Saw  foftened,  and  forgave  the  mother's  fault. 

Saint  Loup's  ftrong  fort  flood  firft.   O'er  this  com- 
Nobled  by  valor,  Gladdifdale  ;  and  here     [mands, 
The  heir  of  Poyning's  name,  and  Molyns  lead 
The  fearful  garrifon.     As  lowering  clouds 
Swept  by  the  hoarfe  wind  o'er  the  blacken'd  plain, 
Moved  on  the  hoft  of  France  :  they  from  the  fort, 
Through  fecret  opening,  fhower  their  pointed  fhafts, 
Or  from  the  battlements  the  death-tipt  fpear 
Hurl  fierce.  Nor  from  the  ftrong  arm  only  launch'd  ■ 
The  javelin  fled,  but  driven  by  the  ftrained  force 
Of  the  balifta,  in  one  carcafs  fpent 
Stay'd  not  ;  thro'  arms  and  men  it  makes  its  way, 
And  leaving  death  behind,  ftill  holds  its  courfe 
By  many  a  death  unclogg'd.     With  rapid  march 
Right  onward  they  advanced,  and  foon  the  fhafts, 
Impell'd  by  that  ftrong  ftroke  beyond  the  hoft 


BOOK    THE    SEVENTH.  127 

Wafting  their  force, fell  harmlefs.  Now  they  reach'd 
Where  by  the  bayle's  embattled  wall  in  arms 
The  Knights  of  England  ftood.  TherePoynmgs  fhook* 
His  lance,  and  Gladdifdale  his  heavy  mace 
For  the  death-blow  prepared.     Alencon  here, 
And  here  the  Baftard  ft  rode,  and  by  the  Maid    13  £ 
That  daring  man  who  to  the  Englifh  hoft 
Then  infolent  of  many  a  conqueft  gain'd, 
Bore  her  bold  bidding.     A  rude  coat  of  mail 
Unhofed,  unhooded,  as  of  lowly  line 
Arm'd  him,  tho'  here  amid  the  high-born  chiefs  140 
Preeminent  for  prowefs.     On  his  head   l 
A  black  plume  (hadowed  the  rude  featur'd  helim 
Then  was  the  war  of  men,  when  front  to  front  4 
They  rear'd  the  hoftile  hand,  for  low  the  wall 
Where  the  bold  Frenchman's  upward  driven  fpeaf, 
Might  pierce  the  foe.     Then  rang  along  the  lifts 
The  clafti  of  battle.     As  Alencon  moved 
On  his  crown-crefted  helm  with  ponderous  blow 
Fell  Gladdifdale's  huge  mace.     Back  he  recoil'd  * 
Aftounded.     Soon  recovering,  his  keen  lance     150 
Thruft  on  the  warrior  mield.     There  faft  infix'd, 
Nor  could  Alen5on  the  deep  driven  fpear 
Recover,  nor  the  foeman  from  his  grafp 
Wrench  the  contended  weapon.     Fierce  again 
He  lifts  the  mace,  that  on  the  afhen  hilt  155 

Fell  full.     It  fhiver'd,  and  the  Frenchman  held 
A  pointlefs  truncheon.     Where  the  Baftard  fought 
The  fpear  of  Poynings,  thro'  his  plated  mail 


123  '      JOAN  OF   ARC. 

Pierced,  and  againfl  the  iron  fence  beneath  6 
Blunted  its  points    Again  he  fpeeds  the  fpear  ;  1 6*o> 
At  once  Duxiois  on  his  broad  buckler  bears 
The  unharming  ftroke,  and  aims  with  better  fate 
His  javelin.     Thro'  his  fword-arm  did  it  pierce 
Maugre  the  maik     Hot  from  the  ftreaming  wound1 
Again  the  weapon  fell,  and  in  his  bread  165: 

Even  thro'  the  hauberk  drove.     But  there  the  war 
Raged  fierceft  where  the  martial  Maiden  moved 
The  minifter  of  wrath.    For  thither  throng'd 
The  bravefl  champions  of  the  adverfe  hoft. 
And  on  her  either  fide  two  warriors  flood  170^ 

Of  unmatched  prowefs,  ftill  with  eager  eye 
Shielding  her  form,  and  aiming  at  her  foes 
Their  deadly  weapons,  of  themfelves  the  while- 
Little  regarding.     One  was  that  bold  man> 
Who  bade  defiance  to  the  Englifh  Chiefs.-  17^ 

Firmly  he  ftood,  untir'd  and  undifmay'd, 
Tho*'  on  his  burgonet  the  frequent  fpear 
Drove  fierce,  and  on  his  arm  the  buckler  hung. 
Heavy,  thick-briflled  with  the  hoftile  fhafts, 
Even  like  the  porcupine  when  in  his  rage  i>8o> 

Rous'd,  he  collects  within  him  all  his  force,- 
Himfelf  a  quiver.     And  of  loftier  port 
On  the  other  hand  toweredConrade.   Firmly  fenced/ 
A  jazerent  of  double  mail  he  wore, 
Beneath  whofe  weight  one  but  of  common  ftrength; 
Had  funk.     Untir'd  the  conflict  he  endur'd 
Wielding  a  battle  axe  ponderous  and  keen,. 


BOOK    THE    SEVENTH..  129 

That  gave  no  fecond  ftroke.     For  where  it  fell, 

Not  the  ftrong  buckler  nor  the  plated  mail 

Might  fave,  nor  crefted  cafque.     On  Molyn's  head, 

As  at  the  Maid  he  aim'd  his  javelin, 

Forceful  it  fell,  and  fhiver'd  with  the  blow 

The  iron  helm,  and  to  his  brain-pan  drove 

The  fragments..     At  their  comrades  death  amaz'd, 

And  for  a  moment  fearful  fhrunk  the  foes.  195 

That  inftant  Conrade,  with  an  a&ive  bound, 

Sprung  on  the  battlements.     There  firm  he  flood,. 

Guarding  afeent.     The  warrior  Maid  of  Arc* 

And  he  the  partner  of  that  battle's  fame, 

Followed,  and  foon  the  exulting  cry  of  France     2co 

Along  the  lifts  was  heard,  as  waved  aloft 

The  holy  banner.     Gladdifdale  beheld, 

And  hafting  from  his  well-defended  pofir. 

Sped  to  the  fiercer  conflict.     To  the  Maid 

He  flrode,  on  her  refolv'd  to  wreak  his  rage,     205 

With  her  to  end  the  war.     Nor  did  not  JOAN 

Read  his  ftern  purpofe.     Lifting  up  her  iliield 

Prepared  fhe  flood,  and  pois'd  her  fparkling  fpear. 

The  Englifli  Chief  came  on  ;  on  high  he  rais'd 

His  mace,  and  all  his  might  into  one  blow         210 

Collected.     As  the  Maiden  rear'd  her  fliield, 

Befote  her  rufli'd  the  man  of  lowly  line, 

And  on  his  buckler  caught  the  mighty  ftroke,. 

And  at  that  inftant  thro'  the  warrior's  neck 

Thruft  the  keen  lance.  Prone  fell  the  Engliih  Knight. 

Faft  from  the  deadly  wound  the  blood  gufh'd  forth. 


130  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Then  thro*  the  hoft  contagious  terror  ran, 

Their  Chieftain  flain.     And  lo  !  where  on  the  wall 

Bulwark'd  of  late  by  Gladdifdale  fo  well 

The  fon  of  Orleans  ftood,  and  fwayed  around    220 

His  falchion,  keeping  thus  at  bay  the  foe, 

Till  on  the  battlements  his  comrades  fprang, 

And  rais'd  the  fhout  of  conouefl.     Then  appall'd 

The  Englifh  fled  j  nor  fled  they  unpurfued, 

For  mingling  with  the  foremoft  fugitives,  225" 

The  gallant  Conrade  rufh'd  ;  and  with  the  throng* 

The  Knights  of  France  together  o'er  the  bridge 

Fail  fpeeded*     Nor  the  garrifon  wkhin 

Durfl  let  the  ponderous  portcullis  fall, 

For  m  the  entrance  of  the  fort  the  fight  2  30 

Raged  fiercely,,  and  together  thro'  the  gate 

The  vanquifh'd  Englifh  and  their  eager  foes 

Pafs'd  in  the  flying  conflict.     Well  I  deem 

And  wifely  did  that  daring  Spaniard  ac\ 

At  Vera-Cruz,  when  he  his  yet  found  fhips         235 

Difmantling,  left  no  fpot  where  treacherous  Fear 

Might  ft  ill  with  wild  and  wififul  eye  look  back. 

For  knowing  no  retreat,  his  defperate  troops 

In  conqueft  fought  their  fafety.     Victors  hence 

At  Tlaicala,  and  o'er  the  Cholulans,  240 

And  by  Otompan,  on  that  bloody  field 

When  Mexico  her  patriot  thoufands  pour'd, 

Fierce  in  vain  valor  on  their  ruffian  foes. 

There  was  a  portal  to  the  Englifh  fort 

That  opened  on  the  wall  ;  a  fpeedier  path         24 j 


BOOK    THE    SEVENTH.  131 

In  peace  affording,  whence  the  charmed  eye 
Might  linger  down  the  river's  pleafant  courfe. 
Tierce  in  the  gate-way  raged  the  deadly  war  ; 
For  there  the  Maiden  ftrove,  and  Conrade  there* 
And  he  of  lowly  line,  bravelier  than  whom        25® 
Fought  not  in  that  day's  battle.     Of  fuccefis 
Defperate,  for  from  above,  the  garrifon 
Could  wield  no  arms  fo  certain  to  beftow 
Equal  deftru&ion  ;  of  the  portal's  aid 
The  foe  bethought  them  :  then  with  leffer  force  255 
*pheir  weapons  fell  ;  abandoned  was  the  gate.; 
And  foon  from  Orleans  the  glad  citizens 
Beheld  the  hallowed  banner  on  the  tower 
Triumphant.     Swift  along  the  lofty  wall 
The  Englifh  hafte  to  St.  John's  neighbouring  fort, 
Jlying  with  fearful  fpeed.     Nor  from  purfuit 
The  victors  ceafed,  but  with  the  fugitives 
Mingled  and  waged  the  war  •;  the  combatants, 
Lock'd  m  the  hoftile  grafp,  together  fall 
Precipitate.     But  foremoft  of  the  French,  265 

Pealing  deftru&ion,  Conrade  rufti'd  along  : 
Heedlefs  of  danger^  he  to  the  near  fort 
Pafs'd  in  the  fight ;  nor  did  not  then  the  Chief 
What  moil  might  ferye  bethink  him  r;  firm  he  flood 
In  the  portal,  and  one  moment  looking  back     270 
Lifted  his  loud  voice  ;  thrice  the  warrior  cried, 
Then  to  the  war  addreft  .him,  now  aflaiPd 
By  numerous  foes,  who  arrogant  of  power 
Threatened  his  fingle  valor.     He  the  while 


Ige  JOAN   OF  ARC. 

Stood  firm,  not  vainly  confident,  or  rafh,  275 

But  of  his  own  ftrength  confcious,  and  tlie  poft 
Friendly  ;  for  narrow  was  the  portal  way 
To  one  alone  fit  paffage,  from  above 
O'erbrow'd  by  no  out-jutting  parapet, 
Whence  death  might  crufli  him.     He  in  double  mail 
Was  arm'd  ;  a  mafTy  burgonet,  well  tried 
In  many  a  hard-fought  field,  helming  his  head  ; 
A  buckler  broad,  and  fenced  with  iron  plates, 
£ulwark'd  his  breaft.     Nor  to  diflodge  the  Chief 
Could  the  Englifh  pour  their  numbers,  for  the  way 
By  upward  fteps  prefented  from  the  fort 
Narrow  afcent,  where  one  alone  could  meet 
The  war.     Yet  were  they  of  their  numbers  proud, 
Tho*  ufelefs  numbers  were  in  that  ftraight  path, 
Save  by  aflault,  unceafing  to  out-lail  29* 

A  fmgle  warrior  who  at  length  muft  fink 
Fatigued  with  conquering,  by  long  victory 
Vanquifh'd.     There  was  amid  the  garrifon 
A  fearlefs  Knight  who  at  Verneuil  had  fought, 
And  high  renown  for  his  bold  chivalry  295 

Acquir'd  in  that  day's  conqueft,     To  his  fame 
The  thronging  Englifh  yield  the  foremoft  place. 
He  his  keen  javelin  to  tranfpierce  the  Frank 
HurPd  forceful  ;  harmlefs  in  his  fhield  it  fix'-d, 
Advantaging  the  foe,  for  by  his  fide  300 

The  battle-axe,  an  unfit  weapon  there, 
He  hung,  and  feized  the  fpear  ;  then  in  himfelf 
Collected  floods  and  calm.     Nor  the  Englifh  Knight 


BOOK   THE    SEVENTH.  133 

Remain'd  unweapon'd :  to  have  fped  fo  ill, 
Indignant,  from  behind  he  fnatch'd  a  lance        305 
And  hurl'd  with  fiercer  fury.     Conrade  lifts 
The  ponderous  buckler.     Thro'  three  iron  folds 
Pierced  the  keen  point,  there,  innocent  of  ill, 
XJnharming  hung.     He  with  forceful  grafp, 
Plucking  the  javelin  forth,  with  mightier  arm,  310 
iaunch'd  on  his  foe.     With  wary  bend,  the  foe 
Shrunk  from  the  flying  death  ;  yet  not  in  vain 
From  that  ftrong  hand  the  fate-fraught  weapon  fled  : 
Full  on  the  corflet  of  a  meaner  man 
It  fell,  and  pierced,  there  where  the  heaving  lungs, 
With  purer  air  diftended,  to  the  heart 
Roll  back  their  purged  tide  ;  from  the  deep  wound 
The  red  blood  gufh'd  :  prone  on  the  fteps  he  fell, 
And  in  the  ftrong  convulfive  grafp  of  death 
Grafp'd  his  long  pike.     Of  unrecorded  name     320 
Died  the  mean  man  ;  yet  did  he  leave  behind 
One  who  did  never  fay  her  daily  prayers, 
Of  him  forgetful  ;  who  to  every  tale 
Of  the  diftant  war,  lending  an  eager  ear, 
Grew,pale  and  trembled.    At  her  cottage  door,  323; 
The  wretched  one  fliall  fit,  and  with  dim  eye 
Gaze  o'er  the  plain,  where  on  his  parting  fteps 
Her  laft  look  hung.     Nor  ever  fhall  fhe  know 
Her  hufband  dead,  but  tortur'd  with  vain  hope, 
'Gaze  on— then  heart-nck  turn  to  her  poor  babe,  330 
And  weep  it  fatherlefs  I   The  enraged  Knight 
J}rew  his  keen  falchion,  and  with  dauntlefs  ftep 


i34  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Moved  to  the  clofer  conflict.     Then  the  Frank, 
Laying  his  javelin  by,  his  battle-axe 
Uplifted.     Where  the  buckler  was  below  335 

Rounded,  the.  falchion  ftruck  ;  but  impotent 
To  pierce  its  plated  folds,  more. forceful  driven, 
Fierce  on  his  crefted  helm,  the  Frenchman's  ftroke 
Fell ;  the  helm  fhivered  ;  from  his  eyes  the  blood 
Started  ;  with  hloo4  the  chambers  of  the  brain  340 
Were  fill'd  ;  his  breaft-plate  with  convulfive  throes, 
Heaved  as  he  fell ;  victorious,  he  the  prize 
At  many  a  tournament  had  borne  away 
Fn  the  mimic  war :  happy,  if  fo  content 
With  bloodlefs  glory,  he  had  never  left  343 

The  manfion  of  his  fires.     Warn'd  by  his  fall, 
With  a  long  pike  at  diftance,  the  next  foe 
Thruft  on  the  Frank.    Then  Conrade  his  fharp  fpear 
Flung,  and  transnVd  him  ;  feizing  the  falPn  pike 
He  in  the  portal  ftood,  fo  well  prepared  350 

To  greet  who  fhould  affail.     But  terrified 
The  Englifh  ftood,  -nor  durft  adventure  now 
Near  that  death-doing  man.     Amid  their  hoft 
Was.  one  who  well  could- from  the  jlubborn  bow 
Shower  his  (harp  fhafts :  well  fkill'd  in  wood-craft 
Even  as  the  merry  Outlaws  who  their  haunts   [he, 
In  Sherwood  h eld,  and  bade  their  bugles  roufe 
The  fleeping  ftag,  ere  on  the  web-woven  grafs 
The  dew-drops  fparkled  to  the  rifing-fun. 
He  fafe  in  diftance  at  the  warrior  aim'd  3^0 

£he  feather' d  dart— With  force  he  drew  the;  bow : 


BGOK    THE    SEVENTH.  135 

Loudon  his  bracer  flruck  the  founding  firing :' 
Deep  in  his  fhield  it  hung  :  then  Conrade  rais'd 
Again  his  echoing  voice,  and  call'd  for  aid, 
Nor  was  the  call  unheard  ;  the  troops  of  France,  365 
From  St.  Loup's  captur'd  fort  along  the  wall 
Hafte  to  the' portal  ;  cheering  was  the  found 
Of  their  near  footfleps  to  the  Chief :  he  drew 
His  falchion  forth,  and  down  the  fleps  he  rufiVd. 
'Then  terror  feiz'd  the  Englifhy  for  their  foes         3  70 
Swarm'd  thro**  the  open  portal,  and  the  fword 
Of  Conrade  was  among  them,-    Not  more  fierce 
The  iujur'd  Turnus  fway'd  his  aifgry  arm, 
Slaughtering  the  robber  emigrants  of  Troy  : 
Nor  with  more  fury -thro'  the  flreets  of  Paris :    373' 
RauYd  he,  the  King  of  Sarza,  Rodomont 
Clad  in  his  dragon  mail.     Like  fome  tail  rock, 
Around  whofe  billow-beaten  foot  the  waves 
Wafte  their  wild  fury,  flood  the  unfhaken  man  ; 
Tho'  round  him  prefl  his  foemen,  by  Defpair     380 
Hearten'd.     He,  mowing-  thro*  the  throng  his  path, 
CalPdon  the  troops  of  France,  and  bade  them  hafte 
Where  he  mould  lead  the  way:     A  daring  band 
Followed  the  adventurous  Chieftain  :  he  moved  on 
Unterrified,  amid  the  arrowy  fhower,  385 

Tho*  on  his  fhield  and  helm  the"  darts  fell  fafl ; 
As  the  fear'd  leaves  that  from  the  trembling  tree 
The  autumnal  whirlwind  makes.  NorConrade  paus'd, 
Still  thro*  the  fierce  fight  urging  on  his  way, 
Till  to  the  gate  he  came,  and  with  flrong  hand  39®- 


i$6  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Seiz'd  on  the  maffy  bolts.     Thefe  as  he  drew, 
Full  on  his  helm  the  weighty  Englifh  fword 
Defcended  ;  fwift  he  turn'd  to  wreak  his  wrath, 
When  lo  !  the  aflailant  gafping  on  the  ground, 
Cleft  by  the  Maiden's  falchion  :  fhe  herfelf        395; 
To  the  foe  oppoflng  with  that  lowly  man, 
For  they  alone  following  the  adventurous  fteps 
Of  Conrade,  ftill  had  equall'd  his  bold  courfe, 
Shielded  him  as  with  eager  hand  he  drew 
The  bolts :  the  gate  turn'd  flow :  forth  leapt  the  Chief 
And  fhivered  with  his  battle-axe  the  chains 
That  hung  on  high  the  bridge.      The  impetuous 
By  Gaucour  led,  rufli'd  o'er  to  victory*        [troops, 

The  banner'd  lilies  on  the  captur'd  wall 
Toffed  to  the  wind.    "  On  to  the  neighbouring  fort !" 
Cried  Conrade-,  **Xaintrailles!  ere  the  night  draws  on 
Once  more  to  conqueft  lead  the  troops  of  France  : 
Force  ye  the  lifts,  and  fill  the  deep-dug  moat, 
And  with  the  ram,  make  down  their  batter'd  walls.. 
Anon  I  fiiall  be  with  you."     Thus  he  faid  ;       410 
Then  to  the  Damfel,  "  Maid  of  Arc  !  awhile 
Ceafe  we  from  battle,  and  by  fhort  repofe 
Renew  our  ftrength."   So  faying  he  his  helm 
Unlaced,  and  in  the  Loire's  near-flowing  ftream 
Cieanfed  his  hot  face.  The  Maid  her  head  urihelm'd,. 
And  ftooping  to  the  ftream,  reflected  there 
•Saw  her  white  plumage  ftam'd  with  human  blood  ! 
Shudd'ring  lhe  faw,  but  foon  her  fteady  foul 
Collected  :  on  the  banks  {he  laid  her  down 


BOaK    THE    SEVENTH.  i 


37 


Freely  awhile  refpiring,  for  her  breath  420 

Quick  panted  from  the  fight :  filent  they  lay, 
For  gratefully  the  cooling  breezes  bathed 
Their  throbbing  temples.     It  was-  now  the  noon  1 
The  fun-beams  on  the  gently  waving  ftream 
Danced  fparklihg.    Loft  in  thought  the  warrior  lay. 
And  foftening  fadly  his  ftern  face,  exclaim'd, , 
"  Maiden  of  Arc  !  at  fuch  an  hour  as  this, 
Beneath  the  o'er-arching.foreft's  chequer'd  (hade, 
With  that  loft  woman  have  I  wandered  on, 
Talking  of  years  of  happinefs  to  come  !  43a 

Oh  hours  for  ever  fled  !  delightful  dreams 
Of  the  unfufpecling  heart !   I  do  believe 
If  Agnes  on  a  worthier  one  had  fix'd 
Her  love,  that  tho'  mine  aching  heart  had  nurft 
Its  forrows,  I  had  never  on  her  choice  435 

Bour'd  one  upbraiding — but  to  ftoop  to  him  ! 
A  harlot ! — an  adulterefs !"  In  his  eye 
Red  anger  flafh'd  ;  anoaof  what  me  was 
Ere  yet  the  foul  pollution  of  the  Court 
Stain'd  her  fair  fame,  he  thought,   "  Oh  happy  age ! " 
He  cried,  "  when  all  the  family  of  man- 
Freely  enjoyed  the  goodly  earth  he  gave, 
And  only  bow'd  the  knee,  in  prayer  to  God ! 
Calm  flow'd  the  unruffled  ftream  of  years  along, 
Till  o'er  the  peaceful  ruftic's  head,  grew  grey    445 
The  hairs  in  full  of  time*     Then  he  would  fit 
Beneath  the  coetaneous  oak,  whilft  round, 

Sons,  grandfons,  and  their  offspring  join'd  to  form 

""Ma 


i3iSr  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

The  blamelefs  merriment ;  and  learnt  of  him 

What  time  to  yoke  the  oxen,  to  the  plough,        45a 

What  hollow  moanings  of  the  weftern  wind 

Foretel  the  ftorm,  and  in  what  lurid  clouds 

The  embryo  lightning  lies.     Well  pleas'd,  he  taught 

The  heart-fmile  glowing  on  his  aged  cheek, 

Mild  as  decaying  light  of  fummer  fun.  455 

Thus  calmly  conftant  flowed  the  ftream  of  life 

Till  loft  at  length  amid  that  fhorelefs  fea,     ■* 

Eternity.     Around  the  bed'  of  death 

Gathered  his  numerous  race— his  laft  advice 

In  fad  attention  heard — caught  his  iaft  fighr--     4^0 

Then  underneath  the  aged  tree  that  grew 

With  him,  memorial  planted  at  his  birth, 

They  delved  the- narrow  houfe  ;  there  oft  at  eve 

Drew  round  their  children  of  the  after  days, 

And  pointing  to  the  turf,  told  how  he  lived,       465, 

And  taught  by  his  example  how  to  die. 

"  Maiden  !   and  fuch  the  evening  of  my  days 
Fondly  I  hoped  ;  but  I  fliall  be  at  reft 
Soon,  in  that  better  world  of  Peace  and  Love 
Where  evil  is  not :  in  that  better  world,  470, 

JOAN,  we  ihall  meet,  and  he  too  will  be  there, 
Thy  Theodore."  Sooth'd  by  his  words,  the  Maid 
Had  liftened  fadly,  till  at  that  loved  name 
She  wept.  "  Nay, Maid  !"  he  cried, "I  did  not  think 
To  wake  a  tear  ;  but  pleafant  is  thy  grief !  475 
Thou  know'ft  not  what  it  is,  round  thy  warm  heart 
To  h:tve  a  faHe  one  wreath  in  viper  folds. 


BOOK    THE    SEVENTH.  139., 

Bat  to  the  battle  I   in  the  clang  of  arms, 

We  win  forgetfulnefs."'    Then  from  the  bank 

Heiprung,  and  helm'd  his  head.    The  Maid,  arofe, 

Bidding  awhile  adieu  to  milder  thoughts. 

On  to  the  fort  they  fpeed,  v/hofe  name  recall'd 

England's  proud  capital  to  the  Englifh  hony 

Now  halrfubdued,  anticipating  death, 

And  vainly  wifning  they  from  her.  white  clifts    48^ 

Had  never  fpread  the  fail.     Gold  terror  creeps 

Thro'  every  vein  :    already  they  turn  back 

Their  eager  eyes  to  meditate  the  flight, 

Tho'  Talbot  there  prefided,  with  their  Chief,: 

The  gallant  Salifhury.     "  Soldiers  fam'd  in  arms  !""■ 

Thus,  in  vain  hope  to  renovate  the  ftrength 

Of  England,  fpake  the  Chief.     "  Vicarious  friends, 

So  oft  victorious  in  the  hard-fought  fight, 

What — fhrink  ye  now  difmay'd?  have  ye  forgot 

The  plains  of  Azincour,  when  vanquifVd   France 

Fled  with  her  thcufands  from  your  father's  arms, 

Though  worn  with  ficknefs  ?  or  your  own  exploits, 

When  on  Verneuil,  the  flower  of  chivalry 

Fell  by  your  daring  prowefs  ?  when  the  Scot 

Bit  the  red  earth  in  death,  and  Narbonne  died,  500 

And  the  young  boafter  proud  Alencon  felt 

The  weight  of  Englifh  fetters  ?  then  we  broke 

The  plated  fhield,  and  cleft  the  warrior's  helm, 

Forever  victors.     On  BaugencPs  wall 

Ye  placed  the  Engliih  flag  ;  beneath  your  force  505 

Fell  JenvUle  and  Gergeau,  the  neighbouring  towns 


140  JQAN     OF   ARC. 

Of  well-nigh  captur'd  Orleans.     I  omit 
To  fpeak  of  Caen  fubdued,  and  vanquifti'd  Rouen, 
And  that  late  day  when  Clermont  fled  the  fight, 
And  the  young  Baftard  of  that  prifon'd  Duke.  510 
Shame  !  fhame  !  that  beaten  Boy  is  here  in  arms, 
And  ye  will  fly  before  the  fugitives  ; 
Fly  from  a  woman  !  from  a  frenzied  girl ! 
That  .with  her-  empty  mummeries,  would  blaft 
Your  courage  ;  or  if  miracles  fhe  brings,  515 

Aid  of  the  Devil !  who  is  there  among  you 
Falfe  to  his  country — to  his  former  fame- 
To  ma— your  leader  to  the  frequent  field, 
The  field  of  glory  ?"  From  the  heartlefs  hoft 
A  timid  fhout  arofe  :  then  Talbot's  cheek  520 

Grew  red  with  indignation.     **  Earl  I"  he  cried, 
Addreffing  him  the  Chief:,    "there  is  no  hope 
From  thefe  white-liver'd  daftards  ;  and  this  fort 
Will  fall  an  eafy  conqueft  :  it  were  well 
To  reach  the  Tournelles,  better  fortified,  525, 

Fit  to  endure  long  fiege  :  the  hope  in  view 
To  reach  a  fafer  fortrefs,  thefe  our  troops 
Shall  better  dare  the  battle."     So  he  fpake, 
Wifely  advifing.     Him  the  Chief  replied  : 
"Well  haft  thoafaid  ;  and,  Talbot,  if  our  fwords 
Could  thro*  the  thickeft  ranks  this   Sorcerefs  reach, 
The  hopes  of  France  were. blafted.     I  have  ftrove. 
In  many  a  field,  yet  never  to  a  foe 
Stoop'd  my  proud  ere  ft  :  nor  difficult  to  meet 
This  wizard  girl,  for  from  the  battlements,        $1$. 


BOOK    THE    SEVENTH.  14  r 

Her  have  I  mark'd  the  foremoft  in  attack,. 
Playing  right  valiantly  the  foldier's  part  ; 
Yet  mall  not  all  her  witcheries  avail 
To  blunt  my  good  fword's  edge." 

Thus  communed  they, 
And  thro'  the  hoft  the  gladdening  tidings  ran,  540 
That  they  mould  feek  the  Tournelles.     Then  their 

hearts 
Gather'd  new  ftrength,  placing  on  thofe  ftrong  walls. 
Dependence  ;  empty  hope  !   nor  the  ftrong  wall,- 
Nor  the  deep  moat  can  fave,  if  Fear  within 
Palfy  the  foldier's  arm.     Them  iffuing.  forth,     545, 
As  from  the  river's  banks  they  pad  along, 
The  Maid  beheld  !  "  Lo !  Conrade  !"  (lie  exclaim'd, 
"  The  foes  advance  to  meet  us— look  \  they  lower 
The  bridge— and  now  they  rufh  upon  the  troops  : 
A  gallant  onfet :  Doft  thou  mark  that  man         55.0 
Who  all  the  day  has-  by  our  fide  endur'd 
The  hotteft  conflict  ?  I  did  then  behold5 
His  force,  and  wonder  :  now  his  deeds  of  death 
Make  all  the  acricns  of  the  former  light 
Seem  as  of  no  account :  know'ft  thou  the  man  ?  555 
There  is  not  one  amid  the  hoft:  of  France, 
Of  fairer  promife."       4<  He,"  the  Chief  replied,, 
"  Wretched  and  prodigal  of  life  achieves 
The  exploits  of  Defpair  :  a  gallant  youth 
Widowed  like  me  of  Hope,  and  but  for  whom,  560 
I  had  been  feen  among  mankind  no  more.. 
Maiden  !  with  me  thy  comrade  in  the.  war^ 


1 


142  JO  AW*   OF   JRC. 

His  arm  is  vowed  to  Heaven.    L.®  !  where  he  ftands 
Bearing  the  battle's  brunt  in  unmoved  ftrength, 
Firm  as  the  mountain  round  whofemrfty  head,  $6$ 
The  unharming  tempeft  breaks  !**  Nor  paused  they 
In  farther  converfe,  to  the  perilous  fray  [now 

Speeding,  not  unobferved— -  them  Salifbury  faw 
And  call'd  on  Talbot.-    She,  the  braved  Knights 
And  vow'd  with  them,  againft  the  Virgin's  life  57a 
Bent  their  fierce  courfe;     She  by  that  unknown  man 
Now  urged  the  war*  when  on  her  plumed  helm 
The  hoftile  falchion  fell.     On  high  fhe  life 
That  hallowed  fword,  the  tenant  of  the  tomb, 
And  drench'd  it  in  his  bofom.     On  the  front     575" 
Of  one,  his  comrade,  fell  the  battle-axe 
Of  him  the  dark-brow'd  Chief  :  the  ponderous  bio 
Shatter'd  his  bram.*    With  Talbot's  giant  force 
The  daring,  herald  urged  unequal  fight  ; 
For  like  fome  oak  that  firm  with  deep-fix'd  roots 
Mocks  at  the  ftorm,  the  undaunted  Earl  endur'd 
Hrsiude  affault.     Warding,  with  wary  eye 
The  angry  fword,  the  Frank  around  his  foe 
Wheels  rapid,  flafhing  his  keen  weapon  faft  P 
Now  as  he  marks  the  Earl's  defeending  flroke     58$ 
Bending,  anon  more  fierce- in  fwift  attack. 
Ill-fated  man  I  one  deed  of  glory  more 
Shall  with  the  fliort-lived  lightning's  fplendor  grace 
ThTs  thy  death-day;  for  Slaughter  even  now 
Stands-b'er  the  loom  of  life,  and  lifts  his  fword.  590 


BOOK    THE   ^SEVENTH.  143 

Upon  -4ier  fhield  the  Martial  Maiden  bore 
An  Englifli  warrior's  blow,  and  in  his  fide 
Pierced  him  ;  that  inftant  Salisbury  fpeeds  his  fword 
That  glancing  from  her  helm  fell  on  the  folds 
That  arm'd  her  neck,  and  making  there  its  way, 
Stain'd  with  her  bloqd  its  edge.     The  herald  faw, 
He  faw  her  red  blood  gufhing  from  the  wound, 
And  turn'd  from  Talbot  heedjefs  of  himfelf, 
And  lifting  up  his  falchion,; ?all  his  force 
Cancenter'd,     On  the  breail  of  Salifbury  600 

It  fell,  and  pierced  his  mail,  and  thro*  the  plate 
Beneath  drove  fierce, and  inhis  heart's-bloodplunged. 
Lo  !  as  he  ftruck  the  ftrength  of  Talbot  came  : 
:  Full  on  his  treacherous  helm  he  fmote  :  it  burft, 
And  the  ftern  Earl  againft  his,fencelefs  head      60$ 
J)rives  with  ftrong  arm  the.  murderous  fword.    She 

faw-*- 
iShe  knew — (he  could  not  fave-^her  Theodore. 
:  Conrade  fceheld,  and  from  his  vanquifti'd  foe 
Sjtrode  terrible  in  vengeance.     Front  to  front 
They  flood,  and  each.for  the  death-blow  prepar'd 
His  angry  might.     At  once  their  weapons  fell, 
The  Frank's  huge  battle-axe,  an,d  the  keen  fword 
1  Of  Talbot.     He,  ftunn'd  by  th^e  weighty  blow, 
Sunk  fenfelefs  ;  by  his  followers  from  the  field 
Conveyed  with  fearful  fpeed :  nor  did  his  ftrobe-615 
tFall  vainly  on  the  Frenchman's  crefted  helm,  4 
,Tho'  weak  to  wound  ;  for  from  his  eyes  the  fire 


i44  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Sparkled,  and  back  recoiling  with  the  blow, 
He  in  the  Maiden's  arms  aflounded.felL 

But  now  their  troops  allcaptainlefs  confus'd,  620 
Fear  feized  the  Englifh.     Not  with  more  difmay 
When  over  wild  Caffraria's  wooded  hills, 
Echoes  the  lion's  roar,  the  timid  herd 
Fly  the  death-boding  found.      The  forts  they  feek, 
Now  recklefs  which,  fo  from  that  battle's  rage  625 
A  prefent  refuge.     On  their  flying  ranks 
The  victors  prefs,  and  mark  their  courfe  with,bloodc 

But  loud  the  trumpet  of  retreat  refounds, 
For  now  the  weftering  fun  with  many  a  hue 
Streak'd  the  gay  clouds. 

"Dtmois  !"  the  Maiden  cried,  630 
-c<  Form  we  around  yon  ftronger  pile  the  fiege, 
There  for  the  night  encamping."  So  fhe  faid. 
The  Chief  to  Orleans  for  their  needful  food, 
And  enginery  to  batter  that  huge  pile, 
Difmifs'd  a  troop,  and  round  the  Tournelles  led  635 
The  hoft  beleagering.  There  they  pitch  their  tents, 
And  plant  their  engines  for  the  morrow's  war, 
Then  to  their  meal,  and  o'er  the  cheerful  ;bowl, 
Recount  the  tale  of  danger  ;  foon  to  reft 
J3etaking  them,  for  now  the  night  drew  on.         64s 


BOOK  THE   EIGHTH. 


ARGUMENT. 

Tranfaclions  of  the  night.  Attack  of  the  Tournelles. 
The  garrifon  retreat  to  the  tower  on  the  bridge.  Their 
total  defeat  there.  Defpondency  of  the  Englifh  army. 
Their  Chiefs  counfel  together  and  refolve  on  retreating. 
Noclurnal  retreat  of  the  Englifh.    Funeral  of  Theodore. 

T\  OW  was  the  noon  of  night ;  and  all  was  ftill, 
^Save  where  the  centinel  paced  on  his  rounds 
Humming  a  broken  fong.     Along  the  camp 
High  flames  the  frequent  fire.    The  warrior  Franks, 
On  the  hard  earth  extended,  reft  their  limbs  5 

Fatigued,  their  fpears  lay  by  them,  and  the  fiiield 
Pillowed  the  helmed  head  :  fecure  they  flept, 
And  bufy  Fancy  in  her  dream  renewed 
The  fight  of  yefterday.     But  not  to  JOAN, 
But  not  to  her  moft  wretched,  came  thy  aid,        10 
Soother  of  forrows,  Sleep  !  no  more  her  pulfe, 
.  Amid  the  battle's  tumult  throbbing  faft, 
Allow'd  no  paufe  for  thought.    With  clafped  hands 
-And  fixed  eye  fhe  fat,  the  while  around 
N 


1 46  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

The  Spe&res  of  the  Days  departed  rofe,  j$ 

A  melancholy  train !  that  rock-roof'd  cell 

She  call'd  to  mind  where  many  a  winter's  day 

With  Theodore  fhe  marked  the  driving  ftorm  : 

She  call'd  to  mind  the  hours  of  merriment 

When  mingling  in  the  dance  with  carelefs  glee    2Q 

She  join' d  the  blithefome  train  :  then  her  wild  eye 

Beheld  him  cold,  and  his  blood-clotted  face 

In  death  diftorted.     O'er  her  fhivering  frame 

The  chill  dews  ftarted,  for  upon  the  gale 

The  crow's  hoarfe  croak  was  heard.  Sudden  fhe  rofe, 

And  pafung  thro'  the  camp  with  hafly  ftep 

Strode  to  the  field  of  blood.     The  night  was  calmj 

Fair  as  was  ever  on  Chaldea's  plain 

When  the  pale  moon-beams  o'er  the  filvery  fcene 

Shone  cloudlefs,  whilft  the  watchful  fhepherd's  eye 

Survey'd  the  hoft  of  heaven,  and  mark'd  them  rife 

Succeffive,  and  fucceffively  decay  j 

XK)fl  in  the  ftream  of  light,  as  letter  fprings 

Amid  Euphrates'  current.     The  high  wall 

Caft  a  deep  fhadow,  and  her  faultering  feet  35 

Stumbled  o'er  broken  arms  and  carcafTes  ; 

And  fometimes  did  me  hear  the  heavy  groan 

Of  one  yet  ftruggling  in  the  pangs  of  death. 

She  reach'd  the  fpot  where  Theodore  had  fall'n, 

Before  fort  London's  gate  ;  but  vainly  there        40 

Sought  fhe  the  youth,  on  every  clay-cold  face 

Gazing  with  fuch  a  look  as  tho'  fhe  fear'd 

The  thing  fhe  fought.   Amazement  feiz'd  the  Maid,, 


BOOK    THE    EIGHTH.  147 

For  there  the  victim  of  his  vengeful  arm, 
Known  by  the  buckler's  blazon'd  heraldry,  45 

Salifbury  lay  dead.      So  as  the  Virgin  flood 
Gazing  around  the  plain,  (he  mark'd  a  man ' 
Pafs  (lowly  on,  as  burthened.     Him  to  aid 
She  fped,  and  foon  with  unencumber'd  fpeed 
Overtaking,  thus  befpake  :  "  Stranger  !  this  weight 
impedes  thy  progrefs.     Doft  thou  bear  away 
Some  flaughter'd  friend  ?  or  lives  the  fufFerer 
With  many  a  fore  wound  gafh'd  ?  Oh  if  he  lives  ! 
I  will  with  earned  prayer  petition  Heaven 
To  fhed  its  healing  on  him  !"  So  (he  faid,  55 

And  as  fhe  fpake  ftretched  forth  her  careful  hands 
To  eafe  the  burthen.     "  Warrior,''    he  replied, 
"  Thanks  for  thy  proffered  fuccour  :  but  this  marv 
Lives  not,  and  I  with  unaffifted  arm 
Can  bear  him  to  the  fepulchre.     Farewell —         60 
The  night  is  far  advanced ;  thou  to  the  camp 
Return :  it  fits  not  darkling  thus  to  flray." 

"Conrade !"  the  Maid  exclaim'd,for  well  (he  knew 
His  voice  : — with  that  (lie  fell  upon  his  neck 
And  cried,  "  My  Theodore  !  but  wherefore  thus  65 
Thro'  the  dead  midnight  doft  thou  bear  his  corfe  ?" 

"  Peace,  Maiden  !"  Conrade  cried,  "  collect  thy 
He  is  but  gone  before  thee  to  that  world         [foul ! 
Whither  thou  foon  mull  follow  !  in  the  morn, 
Ere  yet  from  Orleans  to  the  war  we  went,  70 

He  pour'd  his  tale  of  forrow  on  mine  ear. 
"  Lo  Conrade  where  (he  moves— beloved  Maid  ! 


i48  JOAN   OF    ARC. 

Devoted  for  the  realm  of  France  fhe  goes,   ? 

Abandoning  for  this  the  j.oys  of  life  ! 

Yea — life  itfelf  !   yet-  on  my  heart  her  words 

Vibrate  ;  if  fhe  mud  perifh  in  the  war, 

I  will  not  live  to  bear  the  dreadful  thought, 

Haply  my  arm  had  fav-ed  her.     I  fhall  go 

Her  unknown  guardian.     Conrade,  if  I  fall, 

(And  truft  me  I  have  little  love  of  life,)  80 

Bear  me  in  fecret  from  the  gory  field, 

Left  haply  I  might  meet  her  wandering  eye 

A  mangled  corfe.     She  muft  not  know  my  fate. 

Do  this  laft  act  of  friendfhip — in  the  flood 

Whelm  me  :  fo  fhall  fhe  think  of  Theodore  85 

UnanguiftYd."      "  Maiden,  I  did  vow  with  him 

That  I  would  dare  the  battle  by  thy  fide, 

And  fhield  thee  in  the  war.     Thee  of  his  death 

I  hoped  unknowing. "     As  the  warrior  fpake, 

He  on  the  earth  the  clay-cold  carcafs  kid. 

With  fixed  eye  the  wretched  Maiden  gazed 

The  life-left  tenement.     The  dews  of  night 

Were  on  his  arms,  and  o'er  the  ghaftly  wound 

Hung  his  brown  hair  gore-clotted.  "  Gallant  youth ! " 

She  cried,  "  I  would  to  God  the  hour  were  come     95 

When  I  might  meet  thee  in  the  bowers  of  blifs  ! 

No,  Theodore  !  the  fport  of  winds  and  waves* 

Thy  body  fhall  not  roll  adown  the  ftream 

The  fea-wolPs  banquet.     Conrade,  bear  with  me 

The  corfe  to  Orleans,  there  in  hallowed  ground  100 

To  reft  ;  the  Prieft  fhall  fay  the  facred  prayer, 


BOOK    THE    EIGHTH. 


149 


And  hymn  the  requiem  to  his  parted  foul. 

So  fhall  not  Elinor  in  bitternefs 

I*ament  that  no  dear  friend  to  her  dead  child 

Paid  the  laft  office. "     From  the  earth  they  lift  105 

The  mournful  burden,  and  along  the  plain 

Pafs  with  flow  footfteps  to  the  city  gate. 

The  obedient  centinel  at  Conrade's  voice 

Admits  the  midnight  travellers ;  on  they  pafs, 

Till  in  the  neighbouring  Abbey's  porch  arrived   no 

They  reft  the  lifelefs  load.     Loud  rings  the  bell  ; 

The  awakened  porter  turns  the  heavy  door. 

To  him  the  Virgin  :   "Father,  from  the  flain- 

On  yonder  reeking  field  a  dear-loved  friend 

I  bring  to  holy  fepulture  :  chaunt  ye  11 5" 

The  requiem  to  his  foul :  to-morrow  eve 

Will  I  return,  and  in  the  narrow  houfe 

Behold  him  laid  to  reft*"     The  father  knew 

The  miffion'd  Maid,  and  humbly  bow'd  afl'ent. 

Now  from  the  city,  o'er  the  fhadowy  plain,     120 
Backward  they  bend  their  way.  From  filent  thoughts 
The  Maid  awakening  cried,  "There  was  a  time, 
When  thinking  on  my  clofmg  hour  of  life, 
Tho'  with  refolved  mind,  fome  natural  fears 
Shook  the  weak  frame  ;  now,  that  the  happy  hour,. 
When  my  emancipated  foul  fhali  burft. 
The  cumberous  fetters  of  mortality, 
Wiihful  I  contemplate.     Conrade  I  my  friend,. 
My  wounded  heart  would  feel  another  pang, 

Should' ft  thou  forfake  me  !" 

Ni 


i5o  JGAN   OF   ARC.    . 

"JOAN!"  the  Chief  replied,     i3q 
"  Along  the  weary  pilgrimage  of  life 
Together  will  we  journey,  and  beguile 
The  dreary  road,  telling  with  what  gay  hopes, 
We  in  the  morning  eyed  the  pleafant  fields 
Vifion'd  before  ;  then  wifh  that  we  had  reach'd    1 35 
The  bower  of  reft  1"    Thus  communing  they  gain' d 
The  camp,  yet  huhYd  in  fleep  ;  there  feparating, 
Each  in  the  poft  allotted,  reftlefs  waits 
The  day-break.   Morning  came  :  dim  thro'  the  made 
The  firft  rays  glimmer  ;  foon  the  brightening  clouds- 
Drink  the  rich  beam,  and  o'er  the  landfcape  fpread 
The  dewy  light.     The  foldiers  from  the  earth 
Leap  up  invigorate,  and  each  his  food 
Receives,  impatient  to  renew  the  war. 
Dunois  his  javelin  to  the  Tournelles  points.         145 
"  Soldiers  of  France  !  your  Englifh  foes  are  there  I" 

As  when  a  band  of  hunters,  round  the  den 
Of  fome  wood-monfter,  point  their  fpears,  elate 
In  hope  of  con.queft  and  the  future  feaft  ; 
(  When  on  the  hofpitable  board  their  fpoil  150 

Shall  fmoke,  and  they,  as  the  rich  bowl  goes  round,. 
Tell  to  their  guefts  their  exploits  in  the  chafe  ;) 
They  with  their  fhouts  of  exultation  make 
The  foreft  ring  :  fo  elevate  of  heart, 
With  fuch  loud  clamors  for  the  fierce  afTault       15^ 
The  French  prepare  ;  nor,  guarding  now  the  lifts 
Durft  the  diiheartened  Englifh  man  to  man 
Meet  the  clofe  conflict.     From  the  barbican,  * 


BOOK    THE    EIGHTH.  151 

Or  from  the  embattled  wall  they  their  yengh  bows 
Bent  forceful,  and  their  death-fraught  enginery    1,60 
Difcharged  -r  nor  did  the  Gallic  archers  ceafe 
With  well-directed  mafts  their  loftier  foes 
To  affail  :   behind  the  guardian  pavais  fenced,,  * 
They  at  the  battlements  their  arrows  aim'd> 
Showering  an  iron  ftorm,  whilft  o'er  the  bayle     165 
Pafs'd  the  bold  troops  with  all  their  mangonels  ; 
Or  tortoifes,  beneath  whofe  roofing  fafe, 
They,  filling  the  deep  moat,  might  for  the  towers 
Make  fit  foundation,  or  their  petraries, 
War-wolfs,  and  Beugles,  and  that  murderous  fling; 
The  Matafunda,  whence  the  ponderous  ftone 
Fled  fierce,  and  made  one  wound  of  whom  it  (truck,. 
Shattering  the  frame  fo  that  no  pious  hand 
Gathering  his  mangled  limbs  might  him  convey 
To  where  his  fathers  iflept.     Nor  indolent  175 

Did  the  Englifh  troops  lie  trembling,  for  the  fort 
Was  ably  garrifon'd.     Glacidas,  the  Chief, 
A  gallant  man,,  fped  on  from  place  to  place 
Cheering  the  brave  ;  or  if  the  archer's  hand, 
Palfied  with  fear,  fnot  wide  the  ill-aim'd  mart,    180 
Threatening  the  coward  who  betrayed  himfelf, 
He  drove  him  from  the  ramparts.     In  his  hand,. 
The  Chief  a  crofs-bow  held  ;  an  engine  dread 
Of  fuch  wide  wafting  fury,  that  of  yore 
The  affembled  fathers  of  the  Chriftian  church    1 85  ? 
Pronounced  that  man  accurs'd  whofe  impious  hand 
Should-point  the  murderous  weapon.     Such  decrees 


r52  JOAN   OF  ARC 

Befits  the  men  of  God  to  promulgate  : 
Them  it  befits  to  wafh  their  hands  of  blood; 
And  with  a  warning;  voice,  tho'  haply  vain, 
To  cry  aloud* and  fpare  not  ]    **  Woe  to  them 
Whofe  hands  are  full  of  blood  I  Woe,  faith  the  Lordr 
To  them,  who  faft  for  ftrife,  that  they  may  fmite  ' 
With  the.  arm  ofwickednefs."      An  Englifh  King 
The.  lion-hearted  Richard,  their  decree  195* 

Firft  broke,  and  heavenly  retribution  doom'd 
His  fall  by  the  keen  quarrel ;  fince  that  day 
Frequent  in  fields  of  battle,  and  from  far 
To  many  a  good  Knight,  bearing  .his  death-wound 
From  hands  unknown*      With  fuch  an  inftrumemv 
Arm'd  on. the  ramparts,  Glacidas  his  eye 
Caft  on  the.  afTailing  hoft.     A  keener  glance 
Darts  not  the  hawk  when  from  the  feather'd  tribe 
He  marks  his  viciim.     On  a  Frank  he  fix'd- 
His  gaze,  who  kneeling  by  the  trebuchet,       205    J 
Charged  its  long  fling  with  -  death*     Him  Glacidas  [ 
Secure  behind  the  battlements,  beheld,, 
And  ftrung  his  bow;,  then  bending  on  one  knee, 
He  in  the  groove  the  feather'd  quarrel  plac'd  6 
And  levelling  withfirm  eye,  the  death-wound  mark'd^ 
TJie  bow-ftring  twang'd — on  its  fwift  way  the  dare 
Whizzed  fierce,  and  ftruck,  there   where  the  hel- 
met's clafps  • 
Defend  the  neck  ;  a  weak  protection  now,, 
For  through  the  tube  that  the  pure  air  inhales 
Pierc'd  the  keen  ihaft ;  blood  down  the  unwonted  way 


BOOK    THE    EIGHTH.  153 

Gufh'd  to  the  lungs  :   prone  fell  the  dying  man 
Grafping,  convuls'd,  the  earth  :    a  hollow  groan 
In  his  throat  ftruggled,  and  the  dews  of  death 
Stood  on  his  livid  cheek.     The  days  of  youth- 
He  had  pafs'd  peaceful,  and  had  known  what  joys 
Domeftic  love  bellows,  the  father  once 
Of  two  fair  infants  ;   in  the  city  hemm'd 
During  the  hard  fiege  ;  he  had  feen  their  cheeks 
Grow  pale  with  famine,   and  had  heard  their  cries 
For  bread  !    his  wife—a-  broken-hearted  one —    225 
Sunk  to  the  cold  grave's  quiet,  and  her  babes 
With  hunger  pined,  and  followed  :  he  furvived 
A  miferable  man  J  and  heard  the  fhouts" 
Of  joy  in  Orleans,  when  the  Maid  approach'd, 
As  o'er  the  corfe  of  his  laft  little  one  230 

He  heap'd  the  unhallowed  earth.     To  him  the  foe 
Perform'd  a  friendly  part,  haflening  the  hour 
Grief  elfe  had  foon  brought  on.    The  Englifh  Chief, 
Pointing  again  his  arbalifl,  let  loofe 
The  firing  ;  the  quarrel,  driven  by  that  ftrong  blow, 
True  to  its  aim,  fled  fatal  :  one  it  flruck 
Dragging  a  tortoife  to  the  moat,  and  fix'd 
Deep  in  his  liver ;  blood  and  mingled  gall 
Flow'd  from  the  wound;  and   writhing  with  keen 

pangs, 
Headlong  he  fell :..    he  for  the  wintry  hour         240.. 
Knew  many  a  merry  ballad  and  quaint  tale,, 
A  man  in  his  fmall  circle,  well-beloved* 
None  better  knew  with  prudent  hand  to  guide 


154  JOAN    OF   ARC 

The  vine's  young  tendrils,  or  at  vintage  time 

To  prefs  the  full-fwoln  clufters  :  he,  heart-glad,  2\\ 

Taught  his  young  boys  the  little  all  he  knew, 

Enough  for  happinefs.     The  Englifh  hoft 

Laid  wafte  his  fertile  fields;  he,  to  the  war, 

By  want  compell'd,  adventurM,— in  liis  gorr 

Now  weltering.     Nor  the  Gallic  hoft  remit        2$'(y 

Their  eager  efforts  ;  fome,-  the  watry  fence,- 

Beneath  the  tortoife-  roof 'd*  with  engines  apt 

Drain  painful  ;  part,  laden  with  wood,  throw  thefe 

Their  buoyant  burdens,  laboring  fo  to  gain- 

Firm  footing:-  fome  the  mangonels  fupply,        2J5 

Or  charging  wkh  huge  ftones  the  murdering  fling, 

Gr  petrarvy  or  in  the  efpringal 

Fix  the  brafs-winged  arrows.     Hoarfe  around- 

Rofe  the  confufed'din  of  multitudes. 

Fearlefs  along  the  ramparts  Gargrave  moved, 
Cheering  the  Englifh  troops.     The  bow  he  bore  $ 
The  quiver  rattled  as  he  moved  along. 
He  knew  aright  to  aim  the  feather'd  fhafts, 
Well-fkill'd  to  pierce  the  mottled  roebuck's  fide, 
O'ertaken  in  his  flight.     Him,  pafTmg  on,  265 

From  fome  huge  engine   driven,  a  ponderous  ftone 
Grufh'd  :  on  his  breaft-plate  falling,  the  vaft  force- 
Shattered  the  bone,  and  with  his  mangled  lungs 
The  fragments  mingled.     On  the  funny  brow 
Of  a  fair  hill  wood-circled,  flood  his  home,         270 
A  pleafant  dwelling,  whence  the  ample  ken 
Gaz'd  o'er  fubjecled  diflance,  and  furvey'd 


BOOM    THE    EIGHTH.  i$$ 

.Streams,  hills,  and  forefls,. fair  variety  ! 
The  traveller  knew  its  h^fpitable  towers, 
For  open  were  the  gates',  and  blazed  for  all         275 
The  friendly  fire.     B/  glory  lur'd,  the  youth 
Went  forth  ;  and  he.  had  bathed  Jiis  falchion's  edge 
Jn  many  a  Frenchman's  gore  ;  now  crufh'd  beneath 
The  ponderous  fragments  force,  his  mangled  limbs 
Lie  quivering.     Lo  !  towards  the  levelled  moat, 
A  moving  tower  tfie  men  of -Orleans  wheel 
Four  flages  elevate.     Above  was  hung 
Equalling  the  walls,  a  bridge  ;  in  the  lower  ftage 
The  ponderous  battering-ram  :  a  troop  within 
Of  archers,  thro*  the  opening,  fhot  their  fhafts.  285 
In  the  loftieft  part  was  Conrade,  fo  prepar'd 
To  mount  the  rampart,  for  he  loath' d  the  chafe, 
And  loved  to  fee  the  dappled  forefters 
Browze  fearlefs  on  their  lair,  with  .friendly  eye, 
And  happy  in  beholding  happinefs,  «5lQ 

Not  meditating  death  :  the  bowman's  art 
Therefore  he  little  Jcnew,  nor  was  he  wont 
To  aim  the  arrow  at  the  diftant  foe, 
But  uprear.in  clofe  conflicl:,  front  to -front, 
His  death-red  battle-axe,  and  break  the  fhield,  295 
Firft  in  the  war  of  men.     There  too  the  Maid 
Awaits,  impatient  on  the  wall  to  wield 
Her  falchion.     Onward  moves  the  heavy  tower, 
-Slow  o'er  the  moat  and  fteady,  tho'  the  foe 
Shower'd  there  their  javelins^im'dtheirenginesthere^ 
And  from  the  arbalifl  the  fire-tip  dart 


156  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Shot  lightning  thro'  the  air.     In  vain  it  fiam'd, 

For  well  with  many  a  reeking  hide  fecured, 

Pafs'd  on  the  dreadful  pile,  and  now  it  reach'd 

The  wall.    Below,  with  forceful  impulfe  driven,  305 

The  iron-horned  engine  fwings  its  firoke, 

Then  back  recoils,  whilft  they  within  who  guide. 

In  backward  ftep  collecting  all  their  ftrength, 

Anon  the  maffy  beam  with  ftronger  arm 

Drive  full  and  fierce  ;  fo  rolls  the  fwelling  fea  3 10 

Its  curly  billows  to  the  unmoved  foot   • 

Of  fome  huge  promontory,  whofe  broad  bafe 

Breaks  the  rough  wave  ;  the  fhiver'd  furge  rolls  back, 

Till,  by  the  coming  billow  borne,. it  burfts 

Again,,  and  foams  with  ceafelefs  violence,  315 

The  Wanderer,  on  the  funny  clift  outftretch'd, 

Harks  to  the  roaring  furges,  as  they  rock 

Jiis  weary  fenfes  to  forgetfulnefs. 

But  nearer  danger  threats  the  invaders  now, 
For  on  the  ramparts,  lowered  from  above  320 

The  bridge  reclines.     A  univerfal  fhout 
Rofe  from  thehoftile  hofts.      The  exultant  Franks 
Clamor  their  loud  rejoicing,  whilft  the  foe 
Lift  up  the  warning  voice,  and  call  aloud 
For  fpeedy  fuccour  there,  with  deafening  fhout  325 
Cheering  their  comrades.     Not  with  louder  din 
The  mountain  torrent  flings  precipitate 
Its  bulk  of  waters,  tho*  amid  the  fall 
Shattered,  and  darning  filvery  from  the  rock. 
Xo  !  on  the  bridge  he  Hands,  the  undaunted. man 


BOOK   THE   EIGHTH.  157 

Conrade  !  the  gathered  foes  along  the  wall 
Throng  oppofite,  and  on  him  point  their  pikes, 
Crefting  with  armed  men  the  battlements. 
He,  undifmayed,  tho'  on  that  perilous  height, 
Stood  firm,  and  hurl'd  his  javelin  ;  the  keen  point 
pierced  thro'  the  deftined  viclim,  where  his  arm 
Join'd  the  broad  breafl  :  a  wound  that  fkilful  care 
Haply  had  heal'd  ;  but,  him  difabled  now 
For  farther  fervice,  the  unpitying  throng 
Of  his  tumultuous  comrades  from  the  wall        340 
Thrufl  headlong.     Nor  did  Conrade  ceafe  to  hurl 
His  deadly  javelins  fafl,  for  well  within 
The  tower  was  ftor'd  with  weapons,  to  the  Chief 
Quickly  fupplied  :   nor  did  the  million' d  Maid 
Reft  idle  from  the  combat ;  fhe,  fecure  345 

Aim'd  the  keen  quarrel,  taught  the  crofs-bow's  ufe 
By  the  willing  mind  that  what  it  well  defires 
Gains  aptly  :  nor  amid  the  numerous  throng, 
Tho'  haply  erring  from  their  deflin'd  mark, 
Sped  her  fharp  arrows  fru (Irate.      From  the  tower 
Ceafelefs  the  bow-firings  twang  :  the  Knights  below, 
Each  by  his  pavais  bulwark'd,  thither  aim'd 
Their  darts,  and  not  a  dart  fell  woundlefs  there, 
So  thickly  throng'd  they  flood,  and  fell  as  faft 
As  when  the  Monarch  of  the  Eafl  goes  forth     355 
From  Gemna's  banks  and  the  proud  palaces 
•Of  Delhi,  the  wild  monfters  of  the  wood 
Die  in  the  blamelefs  warfare  :  clofed  within 
O 


158  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

The  flill-contra&ing  circle,  their  brute  force 

Wafting  in  mutual  rage,  they  perifh  there,         36$ 

Or  by  each  other's  fury  lacerate, 

The  archer's  barbed  arrow,  or  the  lance 

Of  fome  bold  youth  of  his  firft  exploits  vain, 

Rajah  or  Omrah,  for  the  war  of  beafts 

Venturous,  and  learning  thus  the  love  of  blood.  365 

The  fhout  of  terror  rings  along  the  wall, 

For  now  the  French  their  fcaling  ladders  place, 

And  bearing  high  their  bucklers,  to  the  afiault 

Mount  fearlefs  :  from  above  the  furious  troops 

Hurl  down  fuch  weapons  as  inventive  care         370 

Or  frantic  rage  fupplies 1  huge  ilones  and  beams 

Crufh  the  bold  foe  ;-  fome,  thruft  adown  the  height, 

Fall  living  to  their  death  ;  fome  in  keen  pangs 

And  wildly-writhing,  as  the  liquid  lead 

Gnaws  thro'  their  members,  leap  down  defperate, 

Eager  to  ceafe  from  fuffering.     Still  they  mount, 

And  by  their  fellows'  fateunterrified, 

Still  dare  the  perilous  way.     Nor  dangerlefs 

To  the  Englifli  was  the  fight,  tho'  from  above 

Eafy  to  crufli  the  aflailants  :  them  amidft  3  80 

Faft  fled  the  arrows  ;  the  large  brafs-wing'd  darts,  7 

There  driven  refiftlefs  from  the  efpringal, 

Keeping  their  impulfe  even  in  the  wound, 

Whirl  as  they  pierce  the  viftim.     Some  fall  crufh'fi 

Beneath  the  ponderous  fragment  that  defcends  385 

The  heavier  from  its  height :  fome,  the  long  lance 

Jmpetuous  ruftiing  on  its  viewlefs  way, 


BOOK    THE    EIGHTH.  159 

IVansfiVd.'   The  death-fraught  cannon's  thundering 
Oonvulfmg  air  ;  the  foldier's  eager  fliout ;        [roar 
And  terror's  wild  fhriek"echo  o'er'  the  plain         39O 
In  dreadful  harmony.     Meantime  the  Chief, 
Who  equall'd  on  the  bridge  the  rampart's  height, 
With  many  a  weHr- arm' d  javelin  dealing  death, 
Made  thro'  the  throng  his  pafFage  :  he  advanced 
In  wary  valor  o'er  his  Slaughtered  foes,  395 

On  the  blood-reeking  wall.     Him  drawing  near 
Two  youths,  the  boldeft  of  the  Englifh  hoft 
Preft  on  to  thruft  him  from  that  perilous  height; 
At  once  they  rufh'd  upon  him  :  he,  his  axe 
Dropping,  the  dagger  drew  :  one  thro'  the  throat 
He  pierced,  and  fwinging  his  broad  buckler  round, 
Dafh'd  down  his  comrade.     So,  unmoved  he  floods 
The  "fire  of  Guendblen,  that  daring  man, 
Corienus  ;  grappling  with  his  monftrous  foe, 
He  the  brute  vaftnefs  held  aloft,  and  bore,         405 
And  headlong-.hurl'd,  all  fhatter'd  to  the  fea, 
Down  from  the  rock's  high  fummit,  fmce  that  day 
Him,  hugefbof  the  giants,  chronicling, 
Hight  Langpemagogr    The  Maid  of  Arc 
Bounds  o'er  the  bridge,  and  to  the  wind  unfurls  410 
Her  hallowed  banner.     At  that  welcome  fight 
A  general  fliout  of  acclamation  rofe, 
And  loud,- as-  when  the  tempeft-toffing  forefV 
Roars  to  the  roaring  wind  ;  then  terror  feiz'd 
The  garrifon  ;  and  fired  anew  with  hope,  415- 

The  fierce  affailants  to  their  prize  rufh  on 


i5o  **^QJN-    OF   JRC. 

Refifllefs.     Vainly  do  their  Englifh  foes 

Hurl  there  their  beams,  and  ftones,  and  javelins, 

And  fire-brands  :  fearlefs  in  the  efcalade, 

Firm  mount  the  French,  and  now  upon  the  wall  42  a; 

Wage  equal  battle.     Burning  at  the  fight 

With  indignation,  Glacidas  beheld 

His  troops  fly  fcattered  ;  faft  on  every  fide 

The  foes  up-rufhing  eager  to  their  fpoil ; 

The  holy  flandard  waving  ;  and  the  Maid  425 

Fierce  in  purfuit.    "  Speed  but  this  arrow,  Heaven  !" ' 

The  Chief  exclaim'd,  "and  I  fhall  fall  content." 

So  faying,  he  his  (harped  quarrel  chofe, 

And  ftVd  the  bow-ftring,  and  againft  the  Maid 

Levelling,  let  loofe  ;  her  arm  was  rais'd  on  high  430 

To  fmite  a  fugitive  :  he  glanced  afide, 

Shunnim?  her  deadly  ftroke,  and  thus  receiv'4 

The  Chieftain's  arrow ;  thro'  his  ribs  it  pafs'd, 

And  cleft  that  ve/Tel,  whence  the  purer  blood, 

Thro'  many  a  branching  channel  o'er  the  frame  435 

Meanders.     "  Fool  I"  the  enraged  Chief  exclaim'd,. 

"  Would  flie  had  flain  thee !  thou  haft  lived  too  long." 

Again  he  aim'd  his  arbalift  :  the  firing 

Struck  forceful  :  fwift  the  erring  arrow  fped 

Guiltlefs  of  blood,  for  lightly  o'er  the  court       440 

Bounded  the  warrior  Virgin.     Glacidas 

Levelled  his  bow  again  ;  the  fated  fhaft 

Fled  true,  and  difficultly  thro'  the  mail 

Pierced  to  her  neck,  and  tinged  its  point  with  blood. 

"  She  bleeds  !  fhe  bleeds  J"  exulting  cried  the  Chidf  : 


BOOK    THE    EIGHTH.  161 

^'The  Sorcerefs  bleeds  !  nor*  ail  her  heUifh  arts 

Can  charm  my  arrows  from  their  deftined  courfe^5 

Ill-fated  man  !    in  vain  with  murderous  hand 

Placing  thy  feathered  quarrel  in  its  groove, 

Dream' ft  thou  o£  JOJNiubdu'd  ?  She  from  her  neck 

Plucking  the  fhaft  unterrified,  exclaim'd, 

"This  is  a  favor  !  -  Frenchmen,  let  us  on  ! 

Efcape  they  cannot  from  the  hand  of  God .!" 

But  Conrade,  rolling ?round  his  angry  eyes, 

Beheld  the  Englifh  Chieftain  as  he  aim'd  455 

Again  the  bow ;  with  rapid  ftep  he  ftrode; 

Nor  did  not  Glacidas.  the  Frank  perceive  ; 

At  him  he  drew  the  firing  :  the  powerlefs  dart 

Fell  blunted  from  his  buckler.     Fierce  he  came, 

And  lifting,  high  his  ponderous  battle-axe,  460 

Full  on  his  fhoulder  drove  the  furious  ftroke 

Deep-buried  in  his  bofom  :  prone  he  fell — 

The  cold  air  rufh'd  upon  his  heaving  heart. 

A  gallant  man,  of  no  ignoble  line, 

Was  Glacidas,  •  His  fires  had  lived  in  peace  ;    465 

Wifely  fecluded  from  the  jarring  world 

They  heap'd  the  hofpitable  hearth,  they  fpread 

The  feaft ;  their  vaiTals  loved  them,  and  afar 

The  traveller  told  their  fame.     In  peace  they  died  ; 

Exhaufted  Nature  finking  flow  to  reft.  470 

For  them  the  venerable  fathers  pour'd 

A  .requiem  when  they  flept,  and  o'er  them  rais'd 

The  fculptur'd  monument.     Now  far  away 

Their  offspring  falls,  the  laft  01  all  his  race  ! 
O  ?, 


z6i  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Slain  in  a  foreign  land,  and  doom'd  to  fhare      471 
The  common  grave.      And  now  their  leader  flain, 
The  vanquiftYd  Englifh  fly  towards  the  gate, 
Seeking  the  inner  court,  as  hoping  there   8 
Again  to  dare  the  fiege,  and  with  their  friends 
Find  prefent  refuge.     Ah  !  miftaken  men  !        48Q 
The  vanquiih'd  have  no  friends  !   defeated  thus, 
Prefl  by  purfuit,  in  vain  with  eager  voice 
They  call  their  comrades  in  the  fuppliant  tones 
Of  pity  now,  now  in  the  indignant  phrafe 
Of  fruitlefs  anger  :  they  indeed  within  485 

Fall  from  the  ramparts  on  the  victor  troops 
Hurl  their  keen  javelins,— but  the  gate  is  barr'd — 
The  huge  portcullis  down  !     Then  terror  feiz'd 
Their  hopelefs  hearts :  fome,  furious  in  defpair, 
Turn  on  their  foes  ;  fear-palfied.  fome  await      490 
The  coming  death  ;  fome  drop  the  ufelefs  fword 
And  cry  for  mercy.     Then  the  Maid  of  Arc 
Had  pity  on  the  vanquihVd ;  and  Ihe  call'd 
Aloud,  and  cried  to  all  the  hoft  of  France, 
And  bade  them  ceafe  from  flaughter.    They  obeyed- 
The  delegated  damfel.     Some  there  were 
Apart  that  communed  murmuring,  and  of  thefe 
D'Orval  addrefs'd  her.  "  Miffion'd  Maid  !  our  troops 
Are  few  in  number  ;  and  to  well  fecure 
Thefe  many  prifoners  fuch  a  force  demands,      5©o 
As  fhould  we  fpare  might  fhortly  make  us  need 
The  mercy  we  bellow  :  not  mercy  then,. 
Rather  to  thefe  our  foldiers,  cruelty. 


BOOK    THE  EIGHTH.  163 

Juftice  to  them,  to  France,  and  to  our  King, 
And  that  regard  wife  Nature  has  in  each.  505 

Implanted  of  felf-fafety,  all  demand 
Their  deaths."     "  Foul  fall  fuch  evil  policy  !" 
The  indignant  Maid  exclaim'd.    "  I  tell  thee,  Chief,. 
God  is  with  us  !  but  God  fhall  hide  his  face 
From  him  who  fheds  one  drop  of  human  blood  510. 
Ln  calm  cold-hearted  wifdom— him  who  weighs 
The  right  and  the  expedient,  and  refolves, 
Juft  as  the  well-pois'd  fcale  fhall  rife  or  fall. 
Thefe  men  fhall  live— live  to  be  happy,  Chief, 
And  in  the  lateft  hour  of  life,  fhall  blefs  515 

Us  who  preferved.  What  is  the  Conqueror's  name,. 
Compar'd  to  this  when  the  death-hour  fhall  come  ? 
To  think  that  we  have  from  the  murderous  fword 
Refcued  one  man,  and  that  his  heart-pour'd  prayers, 
Already  with  celeuial  eloquence,  520 

Plead  for  us  to  the  All  juft,"     Severe  fhe  fpake, 
Then  turn'd  to  Conrade.      "  Thou  from  thefe  our 
Appoint  fit  efcort  for  the  prifoners  £  [troops 

I  need  not  tell  thee,  Conrade,  they  are  men, 
Mifguided  men,  led  from  their  little  homes,        525 
The  viclims  of  the  mighty  !  thus  fubdued 
They  are  our  foes  no  longer  :  be  they  held 
Safely  in  Orleans.     Thou  choofe  forth  with  fpeed 
One  of  known  prudence,  but  whofe  heart  is  rich 
In  Heaven's  moft  precious  boon  humanity,        530 
Their  captain.     From  the  war  we  may  not  fpare 
Thy  valor  long."     She  faid  :  when  Conrade  caft 


1 64  J  VAN  of- arc: 

His  eyes  around,  and  mark'd  amid  the  court 
From  man  to  man  where  Francis  rufh'd  along, 
Bidding  them  fpare  the  vanquiftVd*    Him  he  hail'd 
"  The  Maid  hath  bade:  me  choofe  a  leader  forth 
To  guard  the  captives  :  thou  (halt  be  the  man  ;  . 
For  thou  wilt  guard  them  with  due  diligence, 
Yet  not  forgetting  they  are  men,  bereft 
Of  all  they  love,  and  who  may  largely  claim  -  5 
Thy  pity."     Nor  meantime  the  garrifon 
CeasMfrom  the  war  ^  they,  in  the  hour  of  need,  \ 
Abandoning  their  comrades  to  the  fword, 
A  daring  band,  refolved  to  bide  the  fiege 
In  defperate  valor. ...   Faft  againft  the  walls  545 

The  battering-ram  drove  fierce  :   the  enginery. 
Ply'd  at  the  ramparts  fall ;  the  catapults- 
Drove  there  their  dreadful  darts ;  the  war-wolfs  there  - 
Hurl'd  their  huge  ftones  ;  and,  by  the  pavais  fenced, 
The  Knights  of  France  fped.  there  their  well-aim' d  I 
fhafts.  $5° 

"  Feel  ye  not,  comrades,  how  the  ramparts  fhake  - 
Beneath  the  ponderous  ram's  unceafmg  ftroke  V 
Cried  one,  a  venturous  Englifhman.      if  Our  foes, 
In  woman-like  compaflion,  have  difmiffed 
A  powerful  efcort,  weakening  thus  themfelves,  555 
And  giving  us  fair  hope,  in  equal  field, 
Of  better  fortune.     Sorely  here  annoyed, 
And  Slaughtered  by  their  engines  from  afar, 
We  perifh.     Vainly  does  the  foldier  boaft  > 
Undaunted  courage  and  the  powerful  arm,        560 


BOOK  THE    EIGHTH.  165 

If  thus  pent  up,  like  fomewild  beaft  he  falls, 
Mark'd  for  the  hunter's  arrows  :  .  let  us  rufti 
And  meet  them  in  the  battle,  man  to  man,. 
Either  to  conquer,  or,  at  lead  to  die 
A  foldier's  death."      "  Nay,  nay. — not  fo,"   replied 
Gne  of  lefs  daring  valor.     "  Tho'  they  point 
Their  engines  here,  our  archers  not  in  vain 
Speed  their  death-doing  (hafts.     Let  the  ftrongf  walls 
Firft  by  the  foe  be  won  ;  'twill  then.be  time 
To  meet  them. in. the  battle  man  to  man,  570 

When  thefe  mail  fail  us."      Scarc^y  had  he  fpoke, 
When  full  upon  his  bread  a  ponderous  (lone 
Fell  fierce  impell'd,  and  drove  him  to  the  earth, 
All  mattered.     Horror  the  fpeclators  feiz'd  ! 
For  as  the  dreadful  weapon  fhivered  him,  575 

His  blood  befprmMed  round,  and  they  beheld 
His  mangled  lungs  lie  quivering  !   "  Such  the  fate 
Of  thofe  who  trufl  them  to  their  walls'  defence," 
Again  exclaim'd  the  foldier  :  "  thus  they  fall, 
Betrayed  by  their  own  fears.     Courage  alone    58© 
Can  fave  us."     Nor  to  draw  them  from  the  fort 
Now  needed  eloquence  ;  with  one  accord 
They  bade  him  lead  to  battle.      Forth   they  rufh'd 
Impetuous.     With  fuch  fury  o'er  the  plain, 
Swoln  by  the  autumnal  tempeft,  Vega,  rolls         585. 
His  rapid  waters,  when  the  gathered  ftorm. 
On  the  black  hills  of  Cambria  burfting,  fwells^ 
The  tide  of  defolation.     Then  the  Maid 
Spake  to  the  fon  of  Orleans,  "Let  our  troops 


i66  JOAN   OF  ARC. 


Fall  back,  fo  fhall  the  Englifh  in  purfuit  590 

Leave  this  ftrong  fortrefs,  thus  an  eafy  prey." 
Time  was  not  for  long  counfel.      From  the  court, 
Obedient  to  Dunois,  a  band  of' Franks 
Retreat,  as  at  the  irruption  of  their  foes 
Difheartened  ;  they,  with'  fhouts  and  loud  uproaf, 
Rufh  to  their  fancied  conqueft  ;   JOAN,  the  while 
Placing  a  fmall  but  gallant  garrifon, 
Bade  them  fecure  the  gates  :  then  forth  ftie  rufh'd, 
With  fuch  fierce  onfet  charging  on  their  rear, 
That  terror  fmote  the  Englifh,  and  they  wifh'd    600 
Again  that  they  might  hide  them  in  their  walls 
Rafhly  abandoned,  for  now  wheeling  round 
The  fon  of  Orleans  fought*     All  captainlefs,  - 
Ill-marfhall'd,  ili-dkected,  in  vain  rager 
They  wafte  their  furious  efforts,  falling  fad        60^ 
Before  the  Maid's  good  falchion  and  the  fword 
OFConrade  :~loud  was  heard-the  mingled  found 
Of  arms  and  men  -r  the  earth,  that  trampled  late 
By  multitudes^  gave  to  the  palling. wind 
Its  dufty  clouds,  now  reek'd  with  their  hot  gore.  610 

High  on  the  fort's  far-fummit  Talbot  mark'd 
The  fight,  and  call'd  impatient  for  his  arms, 
Eager  to  rufh  to  war;  and  fcarce  withheld, 
For  now,  difheartened  and  difcomfited, 
The  troops  fied  fearful.     On  the  bridge  there  flood  I 
A  ftrong-built  tower,  commanding  o'er  the  Loire, 
The  traveller,  fometimes  lingered  On  his  way, 
Marking  the  playful  tenants  of  the  ft  ream, 


•XOOlK  THE    EIGHTH.  167 

-'Seen  in  its  fhadow,  ftem  the  fea-ward  tide. 
This  had  the  invaders  won  in  hard  afTault  620 

.  3Jre  fhe,  the  Delegate  of  Heaven,  came  forth 
And  made  them  fear  who  .never  fear'd  before. 
-Hither  the  Englifh  troops  with  hafty  fteps 
^Retir'd,  yet  not  forgetful  of  defence, 
But  waging  ftill  the  war  :  the  garrifon  625 

f  hem  thus  retreating  faw,  and  open  threw 
Their  guarded  gates,  and  on  the  Gallic  hoft, 
-  Covering  their  vanquifh'd  fellows, pour'd  their  fhafts. 
Check'd  in  purfuit  they  ftopt.     Then  D'Orval  cried, 
r  Hl>  Maiden,  haft  thou  done  !  thofe  valiant  troops 
Thy  womanifh  pity  has  difmilfed,  wi$i  us 
Conjoin'd  might  prefs  upon  the  vanquifti'd  foes, 
Tho*  aided  thus,  and  plant  the  lilied  flag 
Victorious  on  yon  tower."     "  Dark-minded  man  !*' 
The  Majd  of  Orleans  anfwered,  "  to. act  well    635 
Brings  with  itfelf  an  ample  recompenfe. 
Chieftain  !  let  come  what  will,  me  it  behoves, 
Mindful  of  that  Good  Power  whofe  delegate 
J.  am,  to  fpare  the  fallen  :  that  gracious  God 
..Sends  me  the  minifter  of  mercy  forth,  640 

Sends  me  to  fave  this  ravaged  realm  of  France. 
To  England  friendly  as  to  all  the  world, 
Foe  only  to  the  great  blood-guilty  ones, 
The  mailers  and  the  murderers  of  mankind.** 

She  faid,  and  fuddenly  threw  off  her  helm  ;  645 
Her  bread  heaved  high -her  cheek  grew  red-her  eyes 
FlaftTd  forth  a  wilder  luftre,     «  Thou  doft  deem 


i68  JOAN   OF   ARC, 

That  1  have  illy  fpar'd  fo  large  a  band, 
Dlfabling  from  purfuit  our  weakened  troops- 
God  is  with  us,"  fhe  cried—"  God  is  with  us  !     650 
Our  Champion  manifeft  !"     Even  as  fhe  fpake, 
The  tower,  the  bridge,  and  all  its  multitudes, 
Sunk  with  a  mighty  crafh.     Aflonifhment 
Seiz'd  on  the  French— a  univerfal  cry 
Of  terror  burft  from  them.    Crufh'd  in  the  fall,  655 
Or  by  their  armor  whelm'd  beneath  the  tide, 
The  fufFerers  funk,  or  vainly  plied  their  arms, 
Caught  by  fome  finking  wretch,  who  grafp'd  them  fail 
And  dragg'd  them  down  to  death  :  fhrieking  they 

funk  ; 
Huge  fragments  frequent  danVd  with  thund'ring  roar 
Amid  the  foaming  current.     From  the  fort 
Talbot  beheld,  and  gnafrVd  his  teeth,  and  curs'd 
The  more  than  mortal  Virgin  ;  whilft  the  towers 
Of  Orleans  echoed  to  the  loud  uproar, 
And  all  who  heard,  trembled,  and  crofs'd  their. breads, 
And  as  they  haftened  to  the  city  walls, 
Told  fearfully  their  beads.     'Twas  now  the  hour 
When  o'er  the  plain  the  penfive  hues  of  eve 
Shed  their  meek  radiance;  when  the  lowing  herd. 
Slow  as  they  ftalk  to  fhelter,  draw  behind  670 

The  lengthening  (hades  ;  and  feeking  his  high  nert, 
As  heavily  he  flaps  the  dewy  air, 
The  hoarfe  rook  pours  his  not  unpleafing  note. 
"  Now  then, Dunois,  for  Orleans  !"   cried  the  Maid, 
a  The  ftrongeft  forts  are  ours,  and  who  remain,    63$ 


BOOK   THE   EIGHTH.  169 

Saved  from  our  fwords  awhile,  in  heart  fubdued, 
Will  yield  an  eafy  conqueft  ;  reft  we  now 
Our  wearied  foldiers,  for  the  night  draws  on." 

She  faid,  and  joyful  of  their  fmifh'd  toil 
The  hoft  retire.     HufiYd  is  the  field  of  fight,     680 
And  filent  as  the  deep,  but  late  uptorn 
By  vernal  tempefts,  when  the  ftorm  is  paft 
And  o'er  the  gently-fwelling  furface,  fleeps 
The  unruffling  wind.      Meantime  the  Englifh  troops 
Now  loud  in  terror,  clamor'd  for  retreat,  685 

Deeming  that,  aided  by  the  powers  of  Heaven, 
The  Maid  wTent  forth  to  conquer.     One  more  bold, 
Learning  reflection  in  the  hour  of  ill, 
Exclaira'd,  «  I  marvel  not  that  the  Moft  High 
Hath  hid  his  face  from  England  !   Wherefore  thus 
Quitting  the  comforts  of  domeftic  life, 
Swarm  we  to  defolate  this  goodly  landt 
Making  the  drench'd  earth,  rank  with  human  blood, 
Scatter  pollution  on  the  winds  of  Heaven  ? 
-Oh  !  that  the  fepulchre  had  clofed  its  jaws         695 
On  that  foul  Prieft,  that  bad  blood-guilty  man,   9 
Who,  trembling  for  the  Church's  ill-got  wealth, 
Bade  Henry  look  on  France,  ere  he  had  drawn 
The  defolating  fword,  and  fent  him  forth 
To  flaughter  i  think  that  in  this  fatal  war  700 

Thoufands  and  tens  of  thoufands,  by  the  fword 
Cut  off,  and  fent  before  the  eternal  Judge, 
With  all  their  unrepented  crimes  upon  them, 
Cry  out  for  vengeance  !  that  the  widow's,  groan, 


lyo  JOAN    OF    ARC. 


Tho'  here  Die  groan  unpitied  or  unheard,  705 

Is  heard  in  Heaven  againft  us  !    o'er  this  land 
That  hills  of  human  ilain,  unfepulchred, 
Steam  peftilence,  and  cloud  the  blefled  fun  ! 
The  wrath  of  God  is  on  us— God  has  call'd 
This  Virgin  forth,  and  gone  before  her  path—      7 1  o 
Our  brethren,  vainly  valiant,  fall  beneath  them, 
Clogging  with  gore  their  weapons,  or  in  the  flood 
Whelm'd  like  the   Egyptian  tyrant's  impious  hoft, 
Mangled  and  fwoln,  their  blackened  carcafles 
Tofs  on  the  toiling  billows  !   We  remain,  715 

For  yet  our  rulers  will  purfue  the  war, 
We  ft  ill  remain  to  perifh  by  the  fword, 
Soon  to  appear  before  the  throne  of  God, 
Loft,  guilty  wretches,  hireling  murderers, 
Uninjur'd,  unprovok'd,  who  dared  to  rifk  720 

The  life  his  goodnefs  gave  us,  on  the  chance 
Of  war,  and  in  obedience  to  our  Chiefs, 
Durft  difobey  our  God."     Then  terror  feized 
The  troops  and  late  repentance  :  and  they  thought 
The  Spirits  of  the  Mothers  and  their  Babes,       725 
FamihYd  at  Rouen,  fat  on  the  clouds  of  night, 
Circling  the  forts,  to  hail  with  gloomy  joy 
The  hour  of  vengeance.      Nor  the  Englifh  Chiefs 
Heard  their  loud  murmurs  heedlefs  :   counfelling 
They  met  defpondent.     Suffolk  -(now  their  Chief, 
Since  conquered  by  the  arm  of  Theodore 
Fell  Salifbury)  thus  began.     "  It  now  were  vain 
Lightly  of  this  our  more  than  mortal  fo\b 


BOOK    THE    EIGBTJJ.  17.1 

To  fpeak- contemptuous.     She  has  vanquifiVd  us, 
Aided  by  Hell's  leagued  powers  ;  nor  aught  avails 
Man  unaflifted  'gain  ft  the  powers  of  Hell 
To  dare  the  conflict- :  it  were  better  far 
Retreating  as  we  may,  from  this  fad  fcene, 
What  of  our  hard- won  conquefts  yet  remain, 
Haply  to  fave."     He  ceased,  and  with  a  figh     740 
Struggling  with  pride  that  heav'd  his  gloomy  breaft, 
Talbot  replied—"  Our  council  little  boots  ** 
The  foldiers  will  not  fight,  they  will  not  heed 
Our  vain  refolves,  heart-withered  by  the  fpells 
Of  this  accurfed  Sorcerefs  :  foon  will  come         745 
The  expected  hoft  from  England  :  even  now 
Perchance  the  tall  bark  feuds  acrofs-  the  deep 
That  bears  my  fon — young  Talbot  comes — he  comes 
To  find  his  fire  difgraced  !    but  foon  mine  arm, 
By  vengeance  nerved,  and  fhame  of  fuch  defeat, 
Shall,  from  the.  creft-fallen  courage  of  yon  witch, 
Regain  its  ancient  glory.     Near  the  coaft 
Bell  is  it  to  retreat,  and  there  expect 
The  coming  fuccour."     Thus  the  warrior  fpake. 
Joy  ran  through  all  the  troops,  as  tho'  retreat     755 
Were  fafety.     Silently  in  ordered  ranks 
They  iflue  forth,  favored  by  the  deep  clouds 
That  mantled  o'er  the  moon.   With  throbbing  hearts 
Fearful  they  fpeeded  on  :  fome,  thinking  fad 
Of  diftant  England,  and,  now  wife  too  late,       760 
Curfing  in  bitternefs  that  evil  hour 
That  led  them  from  her  fhores :  fome  in  faint  hope 


172  Joan  of  arc. 

Calling  to  mind  the  comforts  of  their  home  : 

Talbot  went  mufmg  on  his  blafted  fame 

Sullen  and  Mem,  and  feeding  on  dark  thoughts,    765 

And  meditating  vengeance.     In  the  walls 

Of  Orleans,  tho'  her  habitants  with  joy 

Humbly  acknowledged  the  high  aid  of  Heaven, 

Of  many  a  heavy  ill  and  bitter  lofs 

Mindful ;  fuch  mingled  fentiments  they  felt        770 

As  one  from  fhipwreck  faved,  the   firft  warm  glow 

Of  tranfport  part,  who  contemplates  himfelf, 

Preferved  alone,  a  folitary  Wretch, 

PorTeiTed  of  life  indeed,  but  reft  of  all 

That  makes  man  love  to  live.    The  Chieftains  fhared 

The  fecial  bowl,  glad  of  the' town  Telieved, 

And  communing  of  that  miraculous  Maid, 

Who  came  the  favior  of  the  realm  of  France, 

When  vanquifK'd  in  the  frequent  field  of  fname* 

Her  braveft  warriors  trembled.     JOAN  the  white 

Foodlefs  and  filent  to  the  Convent  pafs'd  : 

Conrade,  with  her  and  Ifabel  ;  both  mute, 

Yet  gazing  on  her  oft  with  eloquent  eye, 

Looking  the  confolation  that  they  fear'd 

To  give  a  voice  to.     Now  they  reach'd  the  dome  : 

The  glaring  torches  o'er  the  ho ufe  of  death 

Stream'd  a  fad  fplendor.  Flowers  and  funeral  herbs 

Bedeck'd  the  bier  of  Theodore  :  the  rue, 

The  dark  green  rofemary,  and  the  violet, 

That  pluck'd  like  him  withered  in  its  firft  bloom. 

DifTolved  in  forrow,  Ifabel  her  grief 


JS'OOKl  THE    EIGHTH,  173 

POur'd  copious  ; .  Conrade  wept  :  the  Maid  alone 
Was  tearlefs,  for  fhe  flood,  unheedingly, 
Gazing  the  vifion'd  fcene  of  her  laft  hour, 
Abforb'd  in  contemplation  ;  from  her  eye  800 

Intelligence  was  abfent  ;  nor  fhe  feem'd 
To  hear,  tho'  liftening  to  the  dirge  of  death. 
Laid  in  his  laft  home  now  was  Theodore, 
And  now  upon  the  coffin  thrown,  the  earth 
Fell  heavy  :  the  Maid  ftarted— for  the  found      805 
Smote  on  her  heart ;  her  eye  one  lightning  glance 
Shot  wild,  and  fhuddering,  upon  Ifabel 
She  hung,  her  pale  lips  trembling,  and  her  cheek 
As  wan  as  though  untenanted  by  life. 

Then  in  the  Prieft  arofe  the  earned  hope,       810 
That  weary  of  the  world  and  fick  with  woe, 
The  Maid  might  dwell  with  them  a  veftal  vowed. 
"  Ah,  Damfel !"  flow  he  fpake  and  croft  his  breaft, 
**  Ah,  Damfel !  favored  as  thou  art  of  Heaven, 
Let  not  thy  foul  beneath  its  forrow  fink  815 

Defpondent;  Heaven  by  forrow  difciplines 
The  froward  heart,  and  chaftens  whom  it  loves  ; 
Therefore,  companion  of  thy  way  of  life, 
Affliction  thee  fhall  wean  from  this  vain  world, 
Where  happinefs  provokes  the  traveller's  chafe,    820 
And  like  the  midnight  meteor  of  the  marfh, 
Allures  his  long  and  perilous  purfuit, 
Then  Leaves  him  dark  and  comfortlefs.     O  Maid  ! 
Fix  thou  thine  eyes  upon  that  heavenly  dawn 
beyond  the  night  of  life  !  thy  race  is  run,  825 

P.j 


i74  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Thou  haft  delivered  Orleans  :   now  perfect 
Thyfelf  ;  accomplish  all,  and  be  the  child 
Of  God.     Amid  thefe  facred  haunts  the  groart 
Of  Woe  is  never  heard  ;  thefe  hallowed  roofs 
Re-echo  only. to  the  pealing  quire, 
The  chaunted  mafs,  and  virgin's  holy  hymn  ; 
Celeftial  founds  !  fecluded  here,  the  foul 
Receives  a  foretafte  of  her  joys  to  come  ! 
This  is  the  abode  of  Piety  and  Peace  : 
Oh  !  be  their  inmate,  Maiden  !  come  to  reft,      835 
Die  to  the  world,  and  live  efpous^d  to  Heaven  !" 
Then.  Conrade  anfwere.d,  "  Father  !  Heaven  has- 
doom'd 
This  Maid  to  active  virtue."      "  Active  I"  cried 
The  aftonifh'd  Prieft  ;  "  thou  doft.  not  know  the  toils 
This  holy  warfare  afks  ;  thou  doft  not  know      84c 
How  powerful  the  attacks  that  Satan  makes 
By  finful  nature  aided  !  doft  thou  deem 
It  is  an  eafy  talk  from  the  fond  breaft 
To  root  affection  out  ?  to  bur  ft  the  cords 
That  grapple  to  fociety  the  heart  845- 

Of  focial  man  ?  to  roufe  the  unwilling  fpirit, 
That,  rebel  to  Devotion,  faintly  pours 
The  cold  lip- worihip  of  the  wearying  prayer  ? 
To  fear  and  tremble  at  him,  yet  to  love 
A  God  of  Terrors  ?    Maid,  beloved  of  Heaven  E 
Come  to  this  facred  trial !  ftiare  with  us 
The  day  of  penance  and  the  night  of  prayer  V 


BOOK  THE    EIGHTH.  tfZ 

Humble  thyfelf !  feel  thine  own  worthlefsnefs, 
A  reptile  worm  !  before  thy  birth  condemn' d 
To  all  the  horrors  of  thy  Maker's  wrath,,  855; 

The  lot  of  fallen  mankind  !   Oh  .hither  come  I 
Humble  thyfelf  in  afhes,fo  thy  name 
Shall  live  amid  the  blefTed  hod  of  faints, 
And  unborn  pilgrims  at  thyhallowed  fhrine 
Pour  forth  their  pious  offerings."  *'  Hear  mePried!'ir 
Exclaim'd  the  awakened  Maid  ;  "  amid  thefe  tombs, 
Cold  as  their  clayey  tenants,  knew,  my  heart 
Mud  never  grow  to  done  !  chill  thou  thyfelf,. 
And  break  thy  midnight  reft,  and  tell  thy  beads, 
And  labor  thro'  thy  dill  repeated  prayer  ;  865 

Fear  thou  thy  God  of  Terrors  ;  fpurn  the  gifts 
He  gave,  and  fepulchre  thyfelf  alive  I 
But  far  more  valued  is  the  vine  that  bends- 
Beneath  its  fwelling  cluders,  than  the  dark 
And  joylefs  ivy,  round  the  cloider's  wall  87c 

Wreathing  its  barren  arms.     For  me  I  know 
Mine  own  worth,  Pried  !  that  I  have  well  perform'd 
My  duty,  and  untrembling  fhall  appear 
Before  the  jud  tribunal  of  that  God, 
Whom  grateful  love  has  taught  me  to  adore  !*  875 
She  {kid,  and  they  departed  frojra  the  dqme, 


BOOK    THE    NINTHS- 


ARGUMENT.- 
Vifion  of  the  Maid*- 


0RkEANS;was  huhVd  in  fleep.     Stretch'd  on 

her  couch 
The  delegated  Maiden  lay  \  with  toil 
Exhaufted  and  fore  anguifh.     Soon  ffoe  clofed 
Her  heavy  eye-lids  ;  not  repofmg  then, 
For  bufy  Phantafy,  in  other  fcenes  5 

Awakened  :  whether  that  fuperior  powers, 
By  wife  permifFion,  prompt  the  midnight  dreanv- 
Or  that  the  foul,  efcaped  its  flefhly  ^logy- 
Flies  free,  and  foars  amid  the  in.cifible  world, 
And  all  things  are  that  feenu     Along  a  heath,     10 
Barren,  and  wide,  and  ^rear,  and  defolate, 
She  roam'd  a  wan^erer.thto?  the  cheerlefs  night.  . 
Black  clouds,  ^n:-1Y€.n  faft  before  the  ftormy  wind, 
Swept  fK^owklg  ;  thro'  their  broken  folds,  the -moon 
Sf higgled  fometimes  with  tranfitory  ray, 
Anofmade  the  moving  darknefs,  vifible. 
And  now  arrived  befide  a  fenny  lake 
She  ftands :  amid  its  ftagnate  waters,  hoaife 
The  thick  fcdge  ruftled  to  the  gales  of  night, 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  .  177 

And  loud  was  heard  the  Bittern's  mournful  cry,  20 
An  age-worn  bark  receives  the  Maid,  impell'd 
By  powers  unfe.en  ;  then  did  the  moon  difplay 
Where  thro*  the  crazy  veffePs  yawning  fide 
Ruih'd  in  the  muddy  wavei  a  female  guides 
And  fpreads  the  fail  before  the  wind*  that  moan'd 
As  melancholy  mournful  to  her  ear,. 
As  ever  by  the  dungeon'd  wretch  was  heard' 
Howling  at  evening  round  the  embattled  towers 
Of  that  hell-houfe  of  France,  ere  yetfublime  ■ 
The  Almighty  people  from  their  tyrant's  hand    3b 
Daih'd  down  the  iron  rod.     Intent  the  MaicT 
Gazed  on  the  pilot's  form,  and  as  ihe  ga^zed 
Shiver'd,  for  wan  her  face  was,  and  her  eyes 
Hollow,  and  her  funk  cheeks  were  furrowed  deep^ 
Channell'd  by  tears  ;  a  few  grey  locks  hung  down 
Beneath  her  hood  :  then  thro'  the  maiden's  veins 
Chill  crept  the  blood  ;  for,  as  the  night-breeze  pafs'dr 
Lifting  her  tatter'd  mantle,  coil'd  around^ 
She  faw  a  ferpent  gnawing  at  her  heart. 

The   plumelefs  Bat  with  fhort  fhrill  note  flits  by. 
And  the  night-raven's  fcream  came  fitfully, 
Borne  on  the  hollow  blaft.     Eager  the  Maid 
Look'd  to  the  fhore,  and  now  upon  the  bank: 
Leaps,  joyful  to  efeape,  yet  trembling  ftill 
In  recollection-.     There,  a  mouldering  pile  45 

Stretch'd  its  wide  ruins,  o'er  the  plain  below 
Cafting  a  gloomy  made,  f&ve  where  the  moon. 
Shone  thro'  its  fretted  windows  :  the  dark  Yewv 


178  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

Withering  with  age,  branched  there  its  naked  roots, 
And  there  the  melancholy  Cyprefs  rear'd  50. 

Its  head  :  the  earth  was  heaved  with  many  a  mound,. 
And  here  and  there  a  half-demolifh'd  tomb. 

And  now,  amid  the  rains'  darkeft  fliade, 
The  Virgin's  eye  beheld  where  pale  blue  flames 
Rofe  wavering,  now  juft  gleaming  from  the  earth,* 
And  now  in  darknefs  drown' d.     An  aged  Man 
Sat  near,  feated  on  what  in  long-paft  days- 
Had  been  fome  fculptured  monument,  nowfall'fi- 
And  half-obfcur'd  by  mofs,  and  gathered  heaps 
Of  withered  yew-leaves  and  earth-mouldering  bones  r 
And  Alining  in  the  ray  was  feenthe  track. 
Gf  flimy  fnail  obfeene.     Compofed  his  look,, 
His  eye  was  large  and  raylefs,  and  fix'd  full- 
Upon  the  Maid  ',  the  blue  flames  on  his  face 
Stream'd  a  drear  light ;  his  face  was  of  the  hue  65 
Of  death  :  his  limbs  were  mantled  in  a  fhroud. 

Then  with  a  deep  heart-terrifying  voice, 
Exclaim'd  the  Spectre,  "  Welcome  to  thefe  realms,. 
Thefe  regions  of  Despair  !-  O  thou  whofe  fteps 
By  Grief  conducted  to  thefe  fad  abodes*  70 

Have  piere'd  ;  welcome,  welcome  to  this  gloom 
Eternal ;  to  this  everlafting  night  ; 
Where  never  morning  darts  the  enlivening  ray,. 
Where  never  fhines  the.fun,  but  all  is  dark, 
Dark  as  the  bofom  of  their  gloomy  King  !"        75 

So  faying,  he  arofe,  and  by  the  hand 
The  Virgin  feiz'd.with  fuch  a  death-cold  touch 


BOOK  THE    NINTH.  i79 

As  froze  her  very  heart ;  and  drawing  on, 
Mer,  to  the  abbey's  inner  ruin,  led 
Refiftlefs.:  thro'  the  broken  roof  the  moon  8.0 

Glimmer' d  a  fcatter'd  ray  :  the  ivy  twined 
Round  the  difman tied  column  :  imaged  forms 
Of  Saints  and  warlike  Chiefs,  mofs-canker'd  now 
And  mutilate,  lay  ftrewn  upon  the  ground  ; 
With  crumbled  fragments,  crucifixes  fallen, 
And  rufted  trophies  ;  and  amid  the  heap 
Some  monument's  defaced  legend  fpake, 
All  human  glory  vain.     The  loud  blaft  roar'd 
Amid  the  pile .;  and  from  the  tower  the  owl 
Scream'd  as  the  tempeft  fnook  her  fecret  neft.       90 
He,  filent,  led  her  on,  and  often  paus'd, 
And  pointed,  that  her  eye  might  contemplate 
At  leifure  the  drear  fcene.     He  dragged  her  on 
Thro'  a  low  iron  door,  down  broken  ftairs  ; 
Then  a  cold  iiorror  thro'  the  Maiden's  frame        95 
Crept,  for  (he  flood  amid  a  vault,  and  faw, 
By  the  fepulchral  lamp's  dim  glaring  light, 
The  fragments  of  the  dead.  "  Look  here  !"  he  cried, 
"  Damfel,  look  here  !  furvey  the  houfeof  Death  ! 
O  foon  to  tenant  it  !  foon  to  increafe  100 

Thefe  trophies  of  mortality  !  for  hence 
Is  no  return  !   Gaze  here  !  behold  this  fkvill  ! 
Thefe  eyelefs  fockets,  and  thefe  unflefh'd  jaws, 
That  with  their  ghaftly  grinning,  feem  to  mock 
Thy  perifhable  charms  ;  for  thus  thy  cheek         105 
Muft  moulder-!  Child  of  Grief!  ihrinks  not  thy  fouls 


a  So  JOAN   OF    ARC. 

Viewing  thefe  horrors  ?  trembles  not  thy  heart 

At  the  dread  thought,  that  here  its  life's-blood  fooa 

Shall  ftagnate,  and  the  finely-fibred  frame, 

Now  warm  in  life  and  feeling,  mingle  foon         1 1» 

With  the  cold  clod  ?  a  thought  moft  horrible 

So  only,  dreadful,  for  reality 

Is  none  of  fuffering  here  ;  here  all  is  peace  ; 

No  nerve  will  throb  to  anguifti  in  the  grave. 

Dreadful  it  is  to  think  of  lofmg  life,  1 1 

But  having  loft,  knowledge  of  lofs  is  not 

Therefore  no  ill.     Hafte,  Maiden,  to  repofe  ; 

Probe  deep  the  feat  of  life. "     So  fpake  Despair. 

The  vaulted  roof  echoed  his  hollow  voice. 

And  all  again  was  filence.     Quick  her  heart      120 

Panted.     He  drew  a  dagger  from  his  breaft, 

And  cried  again,   "  Hafte,  Damfel,  to  repofe  ! 

One  blow,  arfcl  reft  for  ever  !"     On  the  fiend 

Dark  fcowl'd  the  Virgin  with  indignant  eye, 

And  dafn'd  the  dagger  down.     He  next  his  heart 

Replaced  the  murderous  fteel,  and  drew  thetMaid 

Along  the  downward  vault.     The  damp  earth  gave 

A  dim  found  as  they  pafs'd  :  the  tainted  air 

Was  cold,  and  heavy  with  unwholefome  dews. 

<6i  Behold  !"  the  fiend  exclaim'd,  "  how  gradual  here 

"  The  fleftily  burden  of  mortality 

Moulders  to  clay  IV  then  fixing  his  broad  eye 

Full  on  her  face,  he  pointed  where  a  corpfe 

Lay  livid  ;  flie  beheld  with  loathing  look, 

The  fpechicle  abhorr'd  by  living  man,  13$ 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  1S1 

"Look here  I"  Despair  purfued,  "  this loathfome 
Was  once  as  lovely,  and  as  full  of  life  [mafs 

As,  Damfel !  thou  art  now.     Thofe  deep-funk  eyes 
Once  beam'd  the  mild  light  of  intelligence, 
And  where  thou  feeft  the  pamper'd  flefh  worm  trail, 
Once  the  white  bofom  heaved.     She  fondly  thought 
That  at  the  hallowed  altar,  foon  the  Prieft 
Should  blefs  her  coming  union,  and  the  torch, 
Its  joyful  mitre  o'er  the  hall  of  joy, 
Caft  on  her  nuptial  evening  :  earth  to  earth        145 
That  Prieft  confign'd  her,  and  the  funeral  lamp 
Glares  on  her  cold  face  ;  for  her  lover  went, 
By  glory  lur'd  to  war,  and  periih'd  there  ; 
Nor  me  endur'd  to  live.     Ha  !   fades  thy  cheek  ? 
Doft  thou  then,  Maiden,  tremble  at  the  tale  ?     150 
Look  here  !  behold  the  youthful  paramour  ! 
The  felf-devoted  hero  i"      Fearfully 
The  Maid  look'd  down,  and  faw  the  well-known  face 
Of— Theodore  !  in  thoughts  unfpeakable, 
Convulfed  with  horror,  o'er  her  face  ihe  clafp'd  155 
Her  cold  damp  hands  : 

"  Shrink  not,"  the  Phantom  cried, 
*l  Gaze  on  !  for  ever  gaze  !"   more  firm  he  grafp'd 
Her  quiv'ring  arm  :  "  This  lifelefs  mouldering  clay, 
As  well  thou  know' ft,  was  warm  with  all  the  glow 
Of  Youth  and  Love  !    this  is  the  arm  that  cleaved 
Salisbury's  proud  ere  ft,  now  motionlefs  in  Death, 
Unable  to  protect  the  ravaged  frame 
From,  the  foul  Offspring  of  Mortality 
Q 


i82  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

That  feed  on  heroes.     Tho'  long  years  were  thine, 
Yet  never  more  would  life  reanimate  165 

This  murdered  man  ;  murdered  by  thee  !  for  thou 
Didft  lead  him  to  the  battle  from  his  home, 
Elfe  living  there  in  peace  to  good  old  age : 
In  thy  defence  he  died  :  ftrike  deep— deftroy 
Remorfe  with  life."     The  Maid  flood  motionlefs, 
And  wiftlefs  what  fhe  did,  with  trembling  hand 
Received  the  dagger.     Starting  then,  fhe  cried, 
"  Avaunt,  Despair  !    Eternal  Wifdom  deals 
Or  peace  to  man,  or  mifery,  for  his  good 
Alike  defign'd  ;  and  fhall  the  Creature  cry,         175 
"  Why  haft  thou  done  this  ?"  and  with  impious  pride 
Deftroy  the  life  God  gave  ?"    The  Fiend  rejoirx'd  : 
M  And  thou  doft  deem  -it  impious  to  deftroy 
The  life  God  gave  \   What,  Maiden,  is  the  lot 
Ailign'd  to  mortal  man  ?  born  but  to  drag,        1 80 
Thro*  Life's  long  pilgrimage,  the  wearying  load 
Of  Being  ;  care-corroded  at  the  heart ; 
AlTaiPd  by  all  the  numerous  train  of  ills 
That  flefh  inherits  ;  till  at  length  worn  out, 
This  is  his  consummation  !   think  again  :  185 

What,  Maiden,  canft  thou  hope  from  lengthened  life 
But  lengthen' d  forrow  ?    If  protracted  long, 
Till  on  the  bed  of  Death  thy  feeble  limbs 
Outftretch   their  languid  length?    Qh  think   What 

thoughts, 
What  agonizing  woes,  in  that  dread  hour,  19* 

AfTail  the  finking  heart !  flow  beats  the  pulfe  ! 


BOOK    THE  •  NINTH.  183 

Dim  grows  the  eye,  and  clammy  drops  bedew 
The  fhuddering  frame  \  then  in  its  mightieft  force, 
Mightieft  in  impotence,  the  love  of  life 
Shall  feize  the  throbbing  heart — the  faultering  lips 
Pour  out  the  impious  prayer,  that  fain  would  change 
The  Immutable's  decree— furrounding  friends 
Sob  round  the  fufferer — wet  his  cheek  with  tears, 
And  all  he  loved  in  life  embitters  death  ! 

"'  Such,  Maiden,  are  the  pangs  that  wait  the  hour 
Of  calmeft  dnTolution  !  yet  weak  man 
Dares,  in  his  timid  piety,  to  live  ; 
And  veiling  Fear  in  Super  nation's  garb, 
He  calls  it— Refignation  !    Coward  wretch  ! 
Fond  Coward,  thus  to  make  his  Reafon  war      205 
Againft  his  Reafon  !  infect  as  he  is, 
This  fport  of  Chance  !  this  being  of  a  Day, 
Whofe  whole  exiftence  the  next  cloud  may  blaft ! 
Believes  himfelf  the  care  of  heavenly  powers, 
That  God  regards  Man  !  miferable  Man  !  210 

And  preaching  thus  of  Power  and  Providence, 
Will  crufh  the  reptile  that  may  crofs  his  path  1 

**  Fool  that  thou  art  !  the  Being  that  permits 
Exiftence,  gives  to  man  the  worthlefs  boon  : 
A  goodly  gift  to  thofe  who,  fortune-bleft,  215 

Bafk  in  the  funfhine  of  Profperity, 
And  fuch  do  well  to  keep  it.     But  to  him, 
Sick  at  the  heart  with  mifery,  and  fore 
With  many  a  hard  unmerited  affliction,. 
It  is  a  hair  that  chains  to  wretchednefs-  220 


1 84  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

The  flave  who  dares  not  burft  it  !     Thmkeft  thou, 
The  parent,  if  his  child  fhould  unrecall'd 
Return  and  fall  upon  his  neck,  and  cry,    z 
"  Oh  !  the  wide  world  is  comfortlefs,  and  full 
Of  vacant  joys  or  heart-confuming  cares  !  225 

I  can  be  only  happy  in  my  home  [Maid, 

With  thee—my  friend  !—  my  father!"  Think'ft  thou, 
That  he  would  thruft  him  as  an  outcaft  forth  ? 
Oh  !  he  would  clafp  the  truant  to  his  heart, 
And  love  the  trefpafs."     Whilft  he  fpake,  his  eye 
Dwelt  on  the  Maiden's  cheek,  and  read  her  foul 
Struggling  within.       In  trembling  doubt  fhe  flood, 
Even  as  the  wretch,  whofe  famifh'd  entrails  crave 
Supply,  before  him  fees  the  poifon'd  food 
In  greedy  horror.     Yet  not  long  the  Maid  235 

Debated,     "  Ceafe  thy  dangerous  fophiftry, 
Eloquent  tempter  !"  cried  fhe,  "  gloomy  one  ! 
What  though  affliction  be  my  portion  here, 
Think'h:  thou  I  do  not  feel  high  thoughts  of  joy, 
Of  heart-ennobling  joy,  when  I  look  back  240 

Upon  a  life  of  duty  well  perform'd, 
Then  lift  mine  eyes  to  Heaven,  and  there  in  faith 
Know  my  reward  ?  I  grant,  were  this  life  all ; 
Was  there  no  morning  to  the  Tomb's  long  night ; 
If  man  did  mingle  with  the  fenfelefs  clod,  245 

Himfelf  as  fenfelefs,  then  wert  thou  indeed 
A  wife  and  friendly  comforter  !    But— Fiend  ! 
There  is  a  morning  to  the  Tomb's  long  night, 
A  dawn  of  glory,  a  reward  in  Heaven, 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  185 

He  fhall  not  gain  who  never  merited.  250 

If  thou  didft  know  the  worth  of  one  good  deed 

In  life's  laft  hour,  thou  would'ft  not  bid  me  lofe 

The  power  to  benefit  ;  if  I  but  fave 

A  drowning  fly,  I  fhall  not  live  in  vain. 

I  have  great  duties,  Fiend  !  me  France  expects,  255 

Her  heaven-doonl'd  Champion." 

"  Maiden,  thou  haft  done 
Thy  miflion  here,"  the  unbaffled  Fiend  replied  : 
"  The  foes  are  fled  from  Orleans  :  thou,  perchance 
Exulting  in  the  pride  of  victory, 
Forgetteft  him  who  perifh'd  ;  yet  albeit  260 

Thy  harden'd  heart  forget  the  gallant  youth  ; 
That  hour  allotted,  canft  thou  not  efcape 
That  dreadful  hour,  when  Contumely  and  Shame 
Shall  fojourn  in  thy  dungeon.     Wretched  Maid  ! 
Deftined  to  drain  the  cup  of  bitternefs,_  265 

Even  to  its  dregs  1   England's  inhuman  Chiefs 
Shall  feoff  thy  forrows,  black  thy  fpotlefs  fame, 
Wit-wanton  it  with  lewd  barbarity, 
And  force  fuch  burning  biufhes  to  the  cheek 
Of  Virgin  modefty,  that  thou  fhalt  wifh  270 

The  earth  might  cover  thee  \  in  that  laft  hour, 
When  thybruis'dbreaft  fhall  heave  beneath  the  chains 
That  link  thee  to  the  ftake  ;  when  o'er  thy  form, 
Expofed  unmantled,  the  brute  multitude 
Shall  gaze,  and  thou  fhalt  hear  the  ribald  taunt,  275 
More  painful  than  the  circling  flames  that  fcorch 
Each  quivering  member  ;  wilt  thou  not  in  vain 


i86  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Then  wifh  my  friendly  aid  ?  then  wifh  thine  ear 

Had  drank  my  words  of  comfort  ?  that  thy  hand 

Had  grafp'd  the  dagger,  and  in  death  preferved  280 

Infulted  modefty  ?"      Her  glowing  cheek 

Blufh'd  crimfon  ;  her  wide  eye  on  vacancy 

Was  fix'd  ;  her  breath  fhort  panted.  The  cold  Fiend, 

Grafping  her  hand,  exclaim'd,    "  Too  timid  Maid, 

So  long  repugnant  to  the  healing  aid  285 

My  friendfhip  proffers,  now  {halt  thou  behold 

The  allotted  length  of  life."     He  ftamp'd  the  earth. 

And  dragging  a  huge  coffin  as  his  car, 

Two  Gouls  came  on,  of  form  more  fearful-foul 

Than  ever  palfied  in  her  wildeft  dream  290 

Hag-ridden  Superftition.     Then  Despair. 

Seiz'd  on  the  Maid,  whofe  curdling  blood  flood  frill* 

And  placed  her  in  the  feat  ;  and  on  they  pafs'd 

Adown  the  deep  defcent.     A  meteor  light 

Shot  from  the  Demons,  as  they  dragg'd  along      295- 

The  unwelcome  load,  and  mark'd  their  brethren  glut 

On  carcaifes.     Below  the  vault  dilates 

Its  ample  bulk.     "  Look  here  l"— Despair  addrefl 

The  fhuddering  Virgin,  "  fee  the  dome  of  Death  !" 

It  was  a  fpacious  cavern,  hewn  amid  300 

The  entrails  of  the  earth,  as  though  to  form 

The  grave  of  all  mankind  :  no  eye  could  reach, 

Though  gifted  with  the  Eagle's  ample  ken, 

Its  diftant  bounds.  There,  thron'd  in  darknefs,  dwelt 

The  unfeen  Power  of  Death. 

Here  ftopt  the  Gouls,     305 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  187 

Reaching  the  deftin'd  fpot.     The  Fiend  leapt  out, 
And  from  the"  coffin,  as  he  led  the  Maid, 
Exclaim'd,  "  Where  never  yet  flood  mortal  man 
Thou  ftandeft  :  look  around  this  boundlefs  vault ; 
Obferve  the  dole  that  Nature  deals  to  man,        310 
And  learn  to  know  thy  friend."       She  not  replied, 
Obferving  where  the  Fates  their  feveral  talks 
Plied  ceafelefs.     "  Mark  how  fhort  the  longeft  web 
Allowed  to  man  !"   he  cried  ;  "  obferve  how  foon, 
Twin'd  round  yon  never-refting  wheel,  they  change 
Their  fnowy  hue,  darkening  through  many  a  made, 
Till  Atropos  relentlefs  fhuts  the  fheers  !" 

Too  true  he  fpake,  for  of  the  countlefs  threads, 
Drawn  from  the  heap,  as  white  as  unfunn'd  fnow, 
Or  as  the  lovely  lily  of  the  vale,    ,  320 

Was  never  one  beyond  the  little  fpan 
Of  infancy  untainted  :    few  there  were 
But  lightly  tinged  ;  more  of  deep  crimfon  hue, 
Or  deeper  fable  died.     Two  Genii  ft ood, 
Still  as  the  web  of  Being  was  drawn  forth,         325 
Sprinkling  their  powerful  drops.      From  ebon  urn. 
The  one  unfparing  dafrVd  the  bitter  wave 
Of  woe  ;  and  as  he  dafh'd,  his  dark-brown  brow 
Relax'd  to  a  hard  fmile.     The  milder  form 
Shed  lefs  profufely  there  his  leuer  (lore  ;  330 

Sometimes  with  tears  increafmg  the  fcant  boon, 
Mourning  the  lot  of  man  ;  and  happy  he 
Who  on  his  thread  thofe  precious  drops  receives  ; 
If  it  be  happinefs  to  have  the  pulfe 


i88  JOAN    OF    ARC, 

Throb  faft  with  pity,  and  in  fuch  a  world  335 

Of  wretchednefs,  the  generous  heart  that  aches 
With  anguifh  at  the  fight  of  human  woe  ! 

To  her  the  Fiend,  well-hoping  now  fuccefs, 
"  This  is  thy  thread  !  obferve  how  fhort  the  fpan, 
And  fee  how  copious  yonder  Genius  pours         340 
The  bitter  ftream  of  woe."     The  Maiden  faw 
Fearlefs.  "Nowgaze!"  the  tempter  Fiend exclaim'd,- 
And  placed  again  the  poniard  in  her  hand, 
For  Superstition,  with  fulphureal  torch, 
Stalk'd-to  the  loom.     "  This,  Damfel,  is  thy  fate  ! 
The  hour  draws  on— now  drench  the  dagger  deep  I 
Now  rufh  to  happier  worlds  \"     The  Maid  replied, 
"  Or  to  prevent  or  change  the  will  of  Heaven, 
Impious  I  ftrive  not :  be  that  will  perform'd  i" 

Lo  !  as  me  fpake,  celeflial  radiance  beam'd  350 
Amid  the  air  j  fuch  odors  wafting  now 
As  ever  fled  upon  the  evening  galer 
From  Eden's  blifsful  bowers.     An  angel  form 
Stood  by  the  Maid  ;  his  wings,  ethereal  white, 
Flafh'd  like  the  diamond  in  the  noon-tide  fan,    355 
Dazzling  her  mortal  eye  ;  all  elfe  appear' d 
Her  Theodore.     Amazed  fhe  faw  :  the  Fiend 
Was  fled,  and  on  her  ear  the  well-known  voice 
Sounded  ;  though  now  more  mufically  fweet 
Than  ever  yet  had  thrill'd  her  charmed  foul      36a 
When  eloquent  Affection  fondly  told 
The  day-dreams  of  delight  !    "  Beloved  Maid  L 
Lo  !   I  am  with  thee  !  ftill  thy  Theodore  t 


BOOK    THE    NlNTm  189: 

Hearts  in  the  holy  bands  of  Love  combin'd, 

Death  has  no  power  to  fever..   Thou  art  mine  !    365 

A  little  while,  and  thou  flialt  dwell  with  me 

In  fcenes  where  Sorrow  is  not.     Cheerily 

Tread  thou  the  path  that  leads  thee  to  the  grave, 

Rough  though  it  be,  and  painful,  for  the  grave 

Is  but  the  threfhold-  of  Eternity  !  '    370 

Favor'd  of  Heaven  F  to  thee  is  given  to  view 

Thefe  fecret  realms.     In  night  unpierceable 

Enveloped;  Death  is  there,  around  him  wait 

His  mini  iters."     Undauntedly  the  Maid 

Beheld  his  ghaftly  train.     The  withered  form    375 

Gf  Age  :  his  cheek  was  hollow,  and  his  eyes 

Sunk  deep,  and  palfied  were  his  toothlefs  jaws* 

He,  as  he  tottered  on  the  open  grave, 

Look'd  back,  and  call'd  on  one  with  earnefl  voice 

For  aid  ;  yet  never  aid  from  him  received  380 

His  fellow  minifter  :  all  gravity 

He  was,  a  well-wigg'd  form,  and  in  his  hand 

A  gold-topt  cane,  which  ever  to  his  lips, 

In  thought  profound,  he  prefs'd  :  his  lofty  fpeech 

With  learned  phrafe  abounded,  fuch  as  fills         385 

The  aftonifh'd  foul  with  awe  :  and  oft  his  hand 

Dire  incantations  drew,  wich  magic  drugs, 

To  fill  the  myftic  phial,  which  who  feels, 

With  griping  pains  opprefl,  (hall  tofs  and  writhe, 

Till  Nature,  wearied  with  difeafe,  and  fkk  390 

Of  remedy,  mud  yield  the  unequal  ftrife. 

Murder  was  there,  well-verfed  in  many  a  fiiape 


190  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

To  ferve  his  fhadowy  King  ;  or  in  the  rags 

Of  ruffian  poverty,  or  fkill  to  drug 

The  bowl  with  death,  or,  hid  beneath  his  cloak,  39,5, 

Sharp  the  ftiletto  for  the  mortal  blow  ; 

Now  in  the  form  of  Honor,  fierce  to  talk 

Of  fatisfaclion  for  his  injuries, 

And  reputation,  and  the  jargon'd  phrafe    . 

That  make  mankind  genteely  violate  400- 

The  law  of  God.     But  thefe  are  petty  deeds- 

For  this  proud  Fiend,  that  o'er  the  ravaged  earth 

Stalks  royally^and  bids  his  liveried  flaves, 

His  hireling  train'd  affaffins,  to  go  forth, 

And  defolate  and  kill  !     As  on  they  pafs'd  '      405* 

Beyond  the  hideous  train,  thus  Theodore 

Purfued  :    "  The  bottom  of  the  vaft  abyfs 

Thou  treadeft,  Maiden  !    Here  the  dungeons  are 

Where  bad  men  learn  repentance  ;  fouls  difeafed 

Muft  have  their  remedy  ;  and  where  difeafe       410' 

Is  rooted  deep,  the  remedy  is  long. 

Perforce,  and  painful."     Thus  the  Spirit  fpaker 

And  led  the  Maid  along  a  narrow  path, 

Dark-gleaming  to  the  light  of  far-off  flames, 

More  dread  than  darknefs..     Soon  the  diftant  found 

Of  clanking  anvils,  and  the  lengthened  breath 

Provoking  fire  are  heard  :   and  now  they  reach 

A  vaft  expanded  den,,  where  all  around - 

Tremendous  furnaces,  with  hellifh  blaze,_ 

Flamed  dreadful.     At  the  heaving  bellows  flood 

The  meagre  form  of  Care,  and  as  he  blew 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  191 

'To  augment  the  fire,  the  fire  augmented,  fcorch'd 
His  wretched  limbs  :    fleeplefs  for  ever  thus 
He  toil'd  and  toil'd,  Or  toil  to  reap  no  end 
But  eridlefs  toil,  and  never-ending  woe.    '  425 

An  aged  man  went  round  the  infernal  vault 
^Urging  his  workmen  at  their  ceafelefs  tafk  : 
White  were  his  locks,  as  is  the  wintry  fnow 
On  hoar  Plinlimmon?s  head.     A  golden  ftaff 
His  fteps  fupported  ;  powerful  talifman,  430 

Which  whofo  feels  fhall  never  feci  again 
The  tear  of  Pity  or  the  throb  of  Love. 
Touch'd  but  by  this,  the  maiTy  gates  give  way, 
The  buttrefs  trembles,  and  the  guarded  wall, 
•Guarded  in  vain,  fubmits.     Him  heathens  erft    435 
Had  deified,  and  bowed  the  fuppliant  knee 
To  Plutus.     Nor  are  now  his  votaries  few, 
Though  he  the  BlefTed  Teacher  of  mankind 
Hath  faid,  that  eafier  through  the  needle's  eye 
Shall  the  huge  cable  pafs,  than  the  rich  man      440 
Enter  the  gates  of  Heaven.     "  Ye  cannot  ferve 
Your  God,  and  worfhip  Mammon." 

"  Miffioned  Maid  !" 
So  fpake  the  Angel,   "  know  that  thefe,  whofe  hands 
Round  each  white  furnace  ply  the  unceafmg  toil, 
Were  Mammon's  flaves  on  earth.    They  did  not  fpare 
To  wring  from  Poverty  the  hard-earn'd  mite  ; 
They  robb'd  the  orphan's  pittance  ;    they  could  fee 
Want's  afking  eye  unmoved  ;  and  therefore  thefe, 
Ranged  round  the  furnace,  (till  muft  perfevere 


192  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

In  Mammon's  fervice  ;  fcorch'd  by  thefe  fierce  fires, 
And  frequent  deluged  by  th'  o'erboiling  ore  : 
Yet  ftill  fo  framed,  that  oft  to  quench  their  third 
Unquenchable,  large  draughts  of  molten  gold 
They  drink  infatiate,  ftill  with  pain  renewed, 
Pain  to  deftroy  !"     So  faying,  her  he  led  455 

Forth  from  the  dreadful  cavern  to  a  cell, 
Brilliant  with  gem-born  light.     The  rugged  walls 
Part  gleam'd  with  gold,  and, part  with  filver  ore 
A  milder  radiance  fhone.     The  Carbuncle 
There,  its  ftrong  luftre  like  the  flamy  fun,  460 

Shot  forth  irradiate  ;  from  the  earth  beneath, 
And  from  the  roof  a  diamond  light  emits  ; 
Rubies  and  Amethyfts  their  glows  commix' d 
With  the  gay  Topaz,  and  the  fofter  ray 
Shot  from  the  Sapphire,  and  the  Emerald's,  hue,  465 
And  bright  Pyropus.     There  on  golden  feats, 
A  numerous,  fullen,  melancholy  train, 
Sat  filent.     "  Maiden,  thefe,"  faid  Theodore, 
"  Are  they  who  let  the  love  of  wealth  abforb 
All  other  paflions  ;    in  their  foals  that,  vice         470 
Struck  deeply-rooted,  like  the  poifon-tree 
That  with  its  fliade  fpreads  barrennefs  around. 
Thefe,  Maid  !  were  men  by  no  atrocious  crime 
Blacken'd  ;  no  fraud,  nor  ruffian  violence  : 
Men  of  fair  dealing,  and  refpectable  475 

On  earth,  but  fuch  as  only  for  themfelves 
Heap'd  up  their  treafures,  deeming  all  their  wealth 
Their  own,  and  given  to  them,  by  partial  Heaven, 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  193 

To  blefs  them  only :  therefore  here  they  fit, 
PoiTefled  of  gold  enough,  and  by  no  pain  480 

Tormented,  fave  the  knowledge  of  the  blifs 
They  loft,  and  vain  repentance.      Here  they  dwell, 
Loathing  thefe  ufelefs  treafures,  till  the  hour 
Of  general  reftitution."     Thence  they  part, 
And  now  arrived  at  fuch  a  gorgeous  dome,       485 
As  even  the  pomp  of  Eaftern  opulence 
Could  never  equal :  wandered  through  it's  halls 
A  numerous  train  ;  fome  with  the  red-fwoln  eye 
Of  riot  and  intemperance-bloated  cheek  ; 
Some  pale  and  nervelefs,  and  with  feeble  ftep,     490 
And  eyes  lack-luftre,     "  Maiden  !"  faid  her  guide, 
"  Thefe  are  the  wretched  flaves  of  Appetite, 
Curft  with  their  wifli  enjoyed  :    the  Epicure 
Here  pampers  his  foul  frame,  till  the  palPd  fenfe 
Loaths  at  the  banquet :  the  Voluptuous  here      495 
Plunge  in  the  tempting  torrent  of  delight, 
And  fmk  in  mifery.     All  they  winVd  on  earth, 
Poffefling  here,  whom  have  they  to  accufe, 
But  their  own  folly,  for  the  lot  they  chofe  ? 
Yet,  for  that  thefe  injured  themfelve€  alone,        500 
They  to  the  houfe  of  Penitence  may  hie, 
And,  by  a  long  and  painful  regimen, 
To  wearied  Nature  her  exhaufted  powers 
Reftore,  till  they  fhall  learn  to  form  the  wifh 
Of  wifdom,  and  Almighty  Goodness  grants     505 
That  prize  to  him  who  feeks  it."     Whilft  he  fpake, 
The  board  is  fpread.    With  bloated  paunch,  and  eye 
R 


194  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Fat  fwoln,  and  legs  whofe  monftrous  fize  difgraced 

The  human  form  divine,  their  caterer, 

Hight  Gluttony,  fet  forth  the  fmoaking  feaft.  51© 

And  by  his  fide  came  on  a  brother  form, 

With  fiery  cheek  x)f  purple  hue,  and  red 

And  fc  urfy-white,  mix'd  motley  :  his  jgrofs  bulk, 

Like  fome  huge  hogfhead  fhapen'd,  as  applied. 

Him  had  antiquity  with  myftic  rites  £15 

Ador'd,  to  him  the  fons  of  Greece,  and  thine 

Imperial  Rome  !   on  many  an  altar  pour'd 

The  viclim  blood,  with  godlike  titles  graced,; 

Bacchus,  or  Dionusus,  fon  of  Jove, 

Deem'd  falfely,  for  from  Folly's  idiot  form      520 

He  fprung,  what  time  Madness,  with  furious  hand, 

Seiz'd  on  the  laughing  female.     At  one  birth 

She  brought  the  brethren,  menial  here,  above 

Reigning  with  fway  fupreme  ;  and  oft  they  hold 

High  revels.     Mid  the  monaftery's  gloom,  52^ 

Thy  palace  Gluttony  !  and  oft  to  thee 

The  facrifice  is  fpread,  when  the  grave  voice 

Epifcopal,  proclaims  approaching  day 

Of  vifitation,  or  Church-wardens  meet 

To  fave  the  wretched  many  from  the  gripe  530 

Of  eager  Poverty,  or  amid  thy  halls 

Of  London,  mighty  Mayor  !   rich  Aldermen 

Of  coming-feaft  hold  converfe.     Otherwhere, 

For  though  allied  in  nature  as  in  blood, 

They  hold  divided  fway,  his  brother  lifts  5$K 

His  fpungy  fceptre.     In  the  noble  domes 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  195 

Of  Princes,  and  flate-wearied  Minifters, 

Maddening  he  reigns  ;  and  when  the  affrighted  mind 

Cafts  o'er  a  long  career  of  guilt  and  blood 

Its  eye  reluctant,  then  his  aid  is  fought  540 

To  lull  the  worm  of  Confcience  to  repofe. ' 

He  too  the  halls  of  country  Squires  frequent?/ 

But  chiefly  loves  the  learned  gloom  that  ■■  Grades' 

Thy  offspring,  Rhedycina  !  and  thy-  walls, 

Granta  !   Nightly  libations  there  to  him  545 

Profufe  are  pour*d,  till  from'  the  dizzy  brain 

Triangles,  Circles;-  Parallelograms, 

Moods,  Tenfes,  Dialects,  and  Demigods, 

And  Logic  and  Theology  are  fwept 

By  the  red  deluge.     Unmolefted  there  550 

He  reigns  ;  till  comes  at  length  the  general  feaft, 

Septennial  facrifice  ;  then  when  thefonsr 

Of  England  meet,  with  watchful  care  to  choofe 

Their  delegates— wife  !   independent  men  ! 

Unbribing  and  unbrib'd  !   and  cull'd  to  guard   555 

Their  rights  and  charters  from  the  encroaching  grafp 

Of  greedy  Power  :  then  all  the  joyful  land 

Join  in  his  facrifices,  fo  infpir'd 

To  make  the  important  choice.    The  obfei vingMaid 

Addrefs'd  her  guide,  "  Thefe,  Theodore,  thou  fayeft 

Are  men  who,  pampering  their  foul  appetites, 

Injured  themfelyes  alone.     But  where  are  they,. 

The  worfl  of  villains,  viper-like,  who  coil 

Around  the  guilelefs  female,  fo  to  fting 

The  heart  that  loves  them  K' 


196  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

"  Them,"  the  Spirit  replied,  565 
"  A  long  and  dreadful  punihYment  awaits. 
For  when  the  prey  of  want  and  infamy, 
Lower  and  lower  ftill  the  victim  links 
Even  to  the  depth  of  fhame,  not  one  lewd  word, 
One  impious  imprecation  from  her  lips  570 

Efcapes,  nay,  not  a  thought  of  evil  lurks 
In  the  polluted  mind,  that  does  not  plead 
Before  the  throne  of  Juftice  thunder-tongued 
Againft  the  foul  Seducer."     Now  they  reach'd 
The  houfe  of  Penitence.     Credulity  575 

Stood  at  the  gate,  ftretching  her  eager  head 
As  though  to  liften  ;  on  her  vacant  face, 
A  fmile  that  promifed  premature  aiTent ; 
Though  her  Regret  behind,  a  meagre  Fiend  ! 
Difciplin'd  forely.     Here  they  entered  in,  58* 

And  now  arrived  where  as  in  ftudy  tranced 
She  fat  the  Miftrefs  of  the  Dome.     Her  face 
Spake  that  compos'd  feverity,  that  knows- 
No  angry  impulfe,  no  weak  tendernefs, 
Refolved,  and  calm.     Before  her  lay  that  Book  585- 
That  hath  the  words  of  Life  ;  and  as  flie  read, 
Sometimes  a  tear  would  trickle  down  her  cheek, 
Though  heavenly  Joy  beam'd  in  her  eye  the  while. 

Leaving  her  undifturb'd,  to  the  firft  ward 
Of  this  great  Lazar-houfe,  the  Angel  led  590 

The  favor'd  Maid  of  Orleans.     Kneeling  down 
On  the  hard  ftone  that  their  bare  knees  had  worn, 
In  fackcloth  robed,  a  numerous  train  appear' d  : 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  197 

Hard  featur'd  fome,  and  fome  demurely  grave  ; 

Yet  fuch  expreffion  ftealing  from  the  eye,  595 

As  though,  that  only  naked,  all  the  reft 

Was  one  clofe-fltting  mafk  :  a  fcoffing  Fiend- 

( For  Fiend  he  was,  though  wifely  ferving  here ) 

Mock'd  at  his  patients,  and  did  often  pour 

Ames  upon  them,  and  then  bid  them  fay  600 

Their  prayers  aloud,  and  then  he  louder  laughed  : 

For  thefe  were  Hypocrites,  on  earth  revered 

As  holy  ones,  who  did  in  public  tell  [felves, 

Their  beads,  and  make  long  prayers,  and  erofs  them- 

And  call  themfelves  raoft  miferable  fmners,         605. 

That  fo  they  might  be  deem'd  moft  pious  faints  ; 

And  go  all  filth,  and  never  let  a  fmile 

Bend  their  ftern  mufcles,  gloomy  fallen  men  I 

Barren  of  all  affection  !  and  all  this 

To  pleafe  their  God,  forfooth  !  and  therefore  Scorn 

Grinn'd  at  his  patients,  making  them  repeat 

Their  folemn  farce,  with  keeneft  raillery 

Tormenting  ;  but  if  earneft  in  their  prayer,- 

They  pour'd  the  filent  forrows  of  the  foul 

To  Heaven,  then  did  they  not  regard  his  mocks  615. 

Which  then  came  painlefs,  and  Humility 

Soon  refcued  them,  and  led  to  Penitence, 

That  She  might  lead  to  Heaven. 

From  thenee  they  came, 
Where,  in  the  next  Ward,  a  moft  wretched  band 
Groan'd  underneath  the  bitter  tyranny  620 

Of  a  fierce  Demon  ;  his  coarfe  hair  was  red,, 
R  z 


i98  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Pale  grey  his  eyes,  and  blood-fnot ;  and  his  face 
Wrinkled  by  fuch  a  fmile  as  Malice  wears 
In  ecftacy.     Well-pleafed  he  went  around, 
Plunging  his  dagger  in  the  hearts  of  fome,         625 
Or  probing  with  a  poifon'd  lance  their  breads, 
Or  placing  coals  of  fire  within  their  wounds  ; 
Or  feizing  fome  within  his  mighty  grafp 
He  fix'd  them  on  a  flake,  and  then  drew  back, 
And  laugh'd  to  fee  them  writhe. 

"  Thefe,"  faid  the  Spirit,  630 
i(  Are  taught  by  Cruelty,  to  loath  the  lives 
They  led  themfelves.     Here  are  thofe  wicked  men 
Who  loved  to  exercife  their  tyrant  power 
On  fpeechlefs  brutes  ;  bad  hufbands  undergo 
A  long  purgation  here  ;   the  Traffickers  635 

In  human  flefh  here  too  are  difciplin'd, 
Till  by  their  fufFerings  they  have  equaled  all 
The  miferies  they  inflicted,  all  the  mafs 
Of  wretchednefs  caufed  by  the  wars  they  waged, 
The  towns  they  burnt,  (for  they  who  bribe  to  war  640 
Are  guilty  of  the  blood)  the  widows  left 
In  want,  the  flave  or  led  to  fuicide, 
Or  murdered  by  the  foul  infected  air 
Of  his  clofe  dungeon,  or,  more  fad  than  all, 
His  virtue  loft,  his  very  foul  enflaved,  645 

And  driven  by  woe  to  wickednefs.     Thefe  next, 
Whom  thou  beholdeft  in  this  dreary  room, 
So  fuller),  and  with  fuch  an  eye  of  hate 
Each  on  the  other  fcowling,  thefe  have  been 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  199 

Falfe  friends.   Tormented  by  their  own  dark  thoughts 

Here  they  dwell  :  in  the  hollow  of  their  hearts 

There  is  a  worm  that  feeds  !  and  though  thou  feeft 

That  fkilful  leech  who  willingly  would  heal 

The  ill  they  fiiffer,  judging  of  all  elfe 

By  their  own  evil  ftandard,  they  fufpect  655 

The  aid  he  vainly  proffers,  lengthening  thus 

By  vic^  its  punifhment."     "  But  who  are  thefe," 

The  Maid  exclaim'd,  "  that  robed  in  flowing  lawn, 

And  mitred,  or  in  fcarlet,  and  in  caps 

Like  Cardinals,  I  fee  in  every  ward  660 

Performing  menial  fervice  at  the  beck 

Of  all  who  bid  them  ?"     Theodore  replied, 

"  Thefe  men  are  they  who  in  the  name  of  Christ" 

Did  heap  up  wealth,  and  arrogating  power, 

Did  make  men  bow  the  knee,  and  call  themfelves 

Mod  Reverend  Graces  and  Right  Reverend  Lords  : 

They  dwelt  in  palaces,  in  purple  clothed, 

And  in  fine  linen  :  therefore  are  they  here  ; 

And  though  they  would  not  minifter  on  earth, 

Here  penanced  they  perforce  muft  minifter  :      670 

For  he,  the  lowly  Man  of  Nazareth, 

Hath  faid,  his  kingdom  is  not  of  the  world." 

So  faying,  on  they  paft,  and  now  arrived 
Where  fuch  a  hideous  ghaftly  group  abode, 
That  the  Maid  gazed  with  half-averting  eye,     675 
And  fhudder'd  :  each  one  was  a  loathly  corpfe  1 
The  worm  did  banquet  on  his  putrid  prey, 
Yet  had  they  life  and  feeling  exquinte, 


200  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Tho*  motionlefs  and  mute.     "  Moft  wretched  mt 
Are  thefe,"  the  angel  cried. 

«  Thefe,  JOANyaxe  Bards  68cr 
Whofe  loofe  lafcivious  lays  perpetuate 
Their  own  corruption.     Soul-polluted  f!aves>< 
Who  fat  them  down,  deliberately  lewd, 
So  to  awake  and  pamper  luft  in  minds 
Unborn  ;  and  therefore  foul  of  body  now  685 

As  then  they  were  of  foul,  they  here  abide* 
Their  punifhment,  and  here  they  muft  abide 
Long  as  the  evil  works  they  lefc  on  earth 
Shall  live  to  taint  mankind.     A  dreadful  doom  ! 
Yet  amply  merited  by  that  bad  man  690 

Who  proftitutes  the  facred  gift  of  fong." 

They  entered  now  a  large  and  lofty  dome, 
O'er  whofe  black  marble  fides1  a  dim  drear  light 
Struggled  with  darknefs  from  the  unfrequent  lamp. 
Enthroned  around,  the  Murderers  of  Mankind! 
Monarchs,  the  great !  the  glorious !  the  auguft  ! 
Each  bearing  on  his  brow  a  crown  of  fire, 
Sat  ftern  and  filent.     Nimrod  he  was  there, 
Firft  King  the  mighty  hunter  ;  and  that  Chief 
Who  did  belie  his  mother's  fame,  that  fo  700- 

He  might  be  calPd  young  Ammon.     In  this  court 
Cefar  was  crown'd,  accurft  liberticide  ; 
And  he  who  murder'd  Tully,  that  cold  villain  ! 
O&avius,  tho'  the  courtly  minion's  lyre 
Hath  hymn'd  his  praife,  tho'  Maro  fung  to  him>  705 
And  when  Death  levelPd  to  original  clay 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  201 

The  royal  carcafs,  Flattery,  fawning  low, 

Fell  at  his  feet,  and  worfhipp'd  the  new  God  ! 

Titus  was  here,  the  Conqueror  of  the  Jews,  3 

He  the  Delight  of  human-kind  mifnamed  j         71b 

Cefars  and  Soldans,  Emperors  and  Kings  ; 

Here  they  were  all,  all  who  for  glory  fought, 

Here  in  the  Court  of  Glory,  reaping  now 

The  meed  they  merited.     As  gazing  round 

The  Virgin  mark'd  the  miferahle  train,  715 

A  deep  and  hollow  voice  from  one  went  forth  ; 

"  Thou  who  art  come  to  view  our  punifhment, 

Maiden  of  Orleans  I  hither  turn  thine  eyes, 

For  I  am  he  whcfe  bloody  victories 

Thy  power  hath  rendered  vain.     Lo  !  I  am  here, 

The  hero  conqueror  of  Azincour, 

Henry  of  England  ! — wretched  that  1  am  ! 

I  might  have  reigned  in  happinefs  and  peace, 

My  coffers  full,  my  fubjects  undifturb'd, 

And  Plenty  and  Prosperity  had  loved  725 

To  dwell  amongft  them  :  but  mine  eye  beheld 

The  realm  of  France,  by  faction  tempeft-torn  ; 

And  therefore  I  did  think  that  it  would  fail 

An  eafy  prey.     I  perfecuted  thofe 

Who  taught  new  doctrines,  tho'  they  taught  the  truth : 

And  when  I  heard  of  thoufands  by  the  fword 

Cut  off,  or  blafted  by  the  peftilence, 

I  calmly  counted  up  my  proper  gains, 

And  fent  new  herds  to  flaughter  :  temperate 

Myfelf,  no  blood  that  mutinied,  no  vice  735 


202  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Tainting  my  private  life,  I  fent  abroad 

Murder  and  Rape  ;  and  therefore  am  1  doom'd, 

Like  thefe  imperial  Sufferers,  crown'd  with  fire, 

Here  to  remain,  till  Man's  awaken'd  eye 

Shall  fee  the  genuine  blacknefs  of  our  deeds,       740  * 

And  warn'd  by  them,  till  the  whole  human  race, - 

Equalling  in  blifs  the  aggregate  we  caus'd 

Of  wretchednefs,  fhall  form  one  brotherhood,' 

One  universal  Family  cp'Love." 

The  Maiden,  mufmg  on  the  Warrior's  words,  745';' 
Turn'd  from  the  Hall  of  Glory.     Now  they  reachM * 
A  cavern*  at  whofe  mouth  a  Genius  flood, 
In  front,  a  bearc&efs  youth,  whofe  fmiling  eye 
Beam'd  promife*  but  behind  withered  and  old, 
And  all  unlovely.     Underneath  his  feet  75°' 

Lay  records  trampled,- and  the  laurel  wreath" 
Now  rent  and  faded  :   in  his  hand  he  held 
An  hour-glafs,  and,  as  fall  the  reftlefs  fands, 
So  pafs  the  lives  of  men.      By  him  they  pad 
Along,  the  darkfome  cave,  and  reach'd  a  ft  ream. 
Aye  rolling  onward  its  perpetual  waves, 
Noifelefs  and  undifturb'd.     Here  they  afcend 
A  Bark  unpiloted,  that  down  the  flood, 
Borne  by  the  current,  rufh'd.     The  circling  ftream, 
Returning  to  itfelf,  an  ifland  form'd  ;.  760 

Nor  had  the  Maiden's  footfteps  ever  reach'd 
The  infulated  coarl,  eternally 
Rapt  round  the  endleft  courfe  ;  but  Theodore, 
With  force  angelic,  drove  the  obedient  bark* 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.  zo.3 

They  land,  a.  mighty  fabric  meets  their  eyes,  765 
Seen  by  its  gem-born  light.     Of  adamant 
The  pile  was,  framed,,  for  ever  to  abide 
Firm  in  eternal  ftrength.     Before  the  gate 
Stood  eager  Expectation,  as  to  lift 
The  half-heard  murmurs  inning  from  within,     770 
Her  mouth  halfopen'd,  and  her  head  ftretch'd  forth. 
On  the  other  fide  there  flood  an  aged  Crone, 
<JUftening  to  every  breath  of  air  ;  .fhe  knew 
Vague  fuppofitions  and  uncertain  dreams, 
Of  what  was  foon  to  come,  for  fhe  would  mark  775 
The  paley  glow-worm's  felf-created  light, 
And  argue  thence  of  kingdoms  overthrown, 
And  defolated  nations  ;  ever  fill'd 
With  undetermined  terror,  as  Ihe  heard 
Or  diftant  fcreech  owl,  or  the  regular  beat  78© 

Q£  evening  death-watch.    "  Maid,"  the  Spirit  cried, 
V  Here,  robed  in  fhadows,  dwells  Futurity. 
There  is  no  eye  hath  feen  her  fecret  form, 
For  round  the  Mother  of  Time,  unpierced  mifls 
Aye  hover.     Would'fl  thou  read  the  book  of  Fate, 
Enter. ?*     The  Damiel  for  a  moment  paus'd, 
Then  to  the  Angel  fpake  :  •*'  All-gracious  Heaven! 
Benignant  in  withholding,  hath  denied 
To  man  that  knowledge.     I,  in  faith  aflur'd, 
That  he,  my  heavenly  Father,  for  the  beft         79$ 
Ordaineth  all  things,  in  that  faith  remain 
.Contented."     "  Well  and  wifely  haft  thou  faid," 
$0  Theodore  replied  ;  and  as  he  fpake, 


2o4  JO  A  N   OF   ARC. 

Seizing  her  hand,  (for  Spirits  have  fuch  power 
That  there  they  are  where  they  but  wifh  to  be,  8co 
Swift  as  the  thought  that  guides  them)  in  a  vale 
They  flood  ;  a  fairer  fpot  induftrious  Man 
Made  never,  tho'  in  climes  where  Nature  pours 
Profufe  her  bounty.     Foreft-waving  hills 
Bofom'd  the  tranquil  fcene,  beneath  whofe  feet  805 
A  river  roll'd  along  its  willowy  courfe, 
And  as  it  wound  beneath  the  neighbouring  coomb, 
Allur'd  the  charmed  eye.     Here,  as  they  pafs 
Beneath  a  woodbine  bower,  a  manly  form 
They  faw  of  open  vifage,  who  from  wood  810 

Of  odorous  Myrtle  form'd  the  fhafts  of  Love. 
Yet  whilft  Humanity  thus  plied  his  toil, 
Deceit  would  fteal  away  the  precious  fhafts, 
And  in  their  ftead  the  evil  darts  return, 
Form'd  from  the  Cyprefs  or  the  Afpin  wood,    815 
Or  from  that  tree  that  on  the  traveller  drops 
The  dews  of  death.     And  as  the  Genius  form'd 
His  fhafts,  he  plunged  them  in  the  urn  of  blifs  : 
But  brooding  evil  to  the  race  of  man, 
Sat  fhamelefs  Vice  behind,  and  fann'd  her  fire,  820 
Hell-kindled,  heating  in  its  flames  the  darts 
Deceit  had  form'd,  and  Avarice  venom'd  them 
With  his  cold  drugs  that  petrify  the  heart. 
"  Thefe  are  the  Demons  that  pervert  the  power 
Of  Love,"  faid  Theodore.     "  The  time  was  once 
When  Love  and  Happiness  went  hand  in  hand, 
In  that  bled  era  of  the  infant  world 


BOOK    THE    NINTH.    .  205 

Ere  man  had  learnt  to  bow  the  knee  to  man. 
Was  there  a  youth  whom  warm  affection  fill'd, 
He  fpake  his  hone  ft  heart  ;   the  earlieft  fruits     830 
His  toil  produced,  the  fweeteft  flowers  that  deck'd 
The  funny  bank,  he  gather'd  for  the  maid, 
Nor  ihe  difdain'd  the  gift— for  Vice  not  yet 
Had  burft  the  dungeons  of  her  hell,  and  rear'd 
Thofe  artificial  boundaries  that  divide  835 

Man  from  his  fpecies.     State  of  bleflednefs  ! 
Till  that  ill-omen'd  hour  when  Cain's  ftern  fon 
Delved  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth  for  gold, 
Accurfed  bane  of  virtue  !  of  fuch  force 
As  poets  feign  dwelt  in  the  Gorgon's  locks,       £4* 
"Which  whofo  faw,  felt  inftant  the  life-blood 
-Cold  curdle  in  his  veins,  the  creeping  flefti 
Grew  ftiff  with  horror,  and  the  heart  forgot 
To  beat.     Accurfed  hour  !  for  man  no  more 
To  Justice  paid  his  homage,  but  forfook  845 

Her  altars,  and  bow'd  down  before  the  fhrine 
Of  Wealth  and  Power,  the  idols  he  had  made. 
Then  Hell  enlarg'd  herfelf,  her  gates  flew  wide, 
Her  legion  fiends  rufh'd  forth.     Oppression  came, 
Whofe  frown  is  defolation,  and  whofe  breath      850 
Blafts  like  the  Peftilence  ;  and  Poverty, 
A  meagre  monfter,  who  with  withering  touch 
Makes  barren  all  the  better  part  of  man, 
Mother  of  Miseries  ;  then  the  goodly  earth 
Which  God  had  fram'd  for  happinefs,  became  855 

One  theatre  of  woe,  and  all  that  God 
S 


2c6  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Had  given  to  blefs  free  men,  thefe  tyrant  fiends 

His  bittereft  curfes  made.     Yet. for  the  beft 

Hath  he  ordained  all  things,  the  All-wise  ! 

For  by  experience  rous'd  fhall  man  at  length      86> 

Dafh  down  his  Moloch  Idols,  Samfon-like, 

And  burft  his  fetters— only  ftrong  whilft  ftrong 

Believed  ;  then  in  the  bottomlefs  abyfs 

Oppression  fhall  be  chain'd,  and  Poverty 

Die,  and  with  her,  her  Brood  of  Mileries  ;  865 

And  Virtue  and  Equality  preferve 

The  reign  of  Love,  and  Earth  fhall  once  again 

Be  Paradife,  whilft  Wisdom  fhall  fecure 

The  ftate  of  blifs  which  Ignorance  betrayed." 

"  Oh  age  of  happinefs  !"  the  Maid  exclaim'd, 
"  Roll  fall  thy  current,  Time,  till  that  bleft  age 
Arrive  !  and  happy  thou,  my  Theodore, 
Permitted  thus  to  fee  the  facred  depths 
Of  wifdom  .!"     "  Such,"  the  blefled  Spirit  replied, 
"  Beloved  !  fuch  our  lot ;  allowed  to  range       875 
The  vaft  infinity,  progreffive  ftill 
In  knowledge,  and  increafmg  bleffednefs, 
This  our  united  portion.     Thou  haft  yet 
A  little  while  to  fojourn  amongft  men  ; 
I  will  be  with  thee  !  there  fhall  not  a  breeze       889 
Wanton  around  thy  temples,  on  whofe  wing 
I  will  not  hover  near  !   and  at  that  hour 
When  from  its  flefhly  fepulchre  let  loofe, 
Thy  phenix  foul  fhall  foar,  O  beft-belovedj 
I  will  be  with  thee  in  thine  agonies,  885 


BOOK    THE    NINTH,  207 

And  welcome  thee  to  life  and  happinefs, 
Eternal  infinite  beatitude  !" 

He  fpake,  and  led  her  near  a  draw-roof* d  cot, 
Love's  Palace.     By  the  Virtues  circled  there, 
The  cherub  liften'd  to  fuch  melodies, 
As  aye,  when  one  good  deed  is  regifter'd  89©- 

Above,  re-echo  in  the  halls  of  Heaven. 
Labor,  was  there,  his  crifp  locks  floating  loofe, 
Clear  was  his  cheek,  and  beaming  his  full  eye, 
And  Pcronghis  armrobuft;  the  wood-nymph  Health 
Still  follow'd  on  his  path,  and  where  he  trod      C95 
Frefli  flowers  and  fruits  arofe.    And  there  was  Kopf, 
The  general  friend  ;  and  Mercy,  whofe  mild  eye 
Wept  o'er  the  widowed  dove  ;  and,   loveliefl  form,. 
Majeftic  Chastity,- whofe  fober  fmile 
Delights  and  awes  the  foul,  a  laurel  wreath        90s" 
Reftrain'd  her  treffes,  and  upon  her  breaft 
The  fnow-drop  hung  its  head,  that  feem'd  to  grow  4 
Spontaneous,  cold  and  fair  :  frill  by  the  Maid 
Love  went  fubmifs,  with  eye  more  dangerous 
Than  fancied  bafilifk  to  wound  whoe'er  905 

Too  bold  approached,  yet  anxious  would  he  read 
Her  every  rifmg  wifh,  then  only  pleafed 
When  pleafmg.     Hymning  him  the  fong  was  rais'd. 

"  Glory  to  thee,  whofe  vivifying  power 
Pervades  all  Nature's  univerfal  frame  !  910 

Glory  to  thee,  Creator  Love  !    to  thee, 
Parent  of  all  the  mailing  Charities, 
That  ftrew  the  thorny  path  of  Life  with  flowers  !' 


2©8  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Glory  to  thee,  Preserver!  to  thy  praife 
The  awakened  Woodlands  echo  all  the  day        915 
Their  living  melody  ;  and  warbling  forth 
To  thee  her  twilight  fong,  the  Nightingale 
Holds  the  lone  Traveller  from  his  way,  or  charms 
The  liitening  Poet's  ear.     Where  Love  fhall  deign 
To  fix  his  feat,  there  blamelefs  Pleasure  fheds   920 
Ker  rofeate  dews  ;  Content  will  fojourn  there, 
And  Happiness  behold  Affection's  eye 
Gleam  with  the  Mother's  fmile.     Thrice  happy  he 
Who  feels  thy  holy  power  !  he  fhall  not  drag, 
Forlorn  and  friendlefs,  along  Life's  long  path    925 
To  Age's  drear  abode  ;  he  mail  not  wafte 
The  bitter  evening  of  his  days  unfooth'd  ; 
But  Hope  fhall  cheer  his  hours  of  Solitude, 
And  Vice  fhall  vainly  ftrive  to  wound  his  breaft, 
That  bears  that  talifman  ;  and  when  he  meets  930 
The  eloquent  eye  of  Tenderness,  and  hears 
The  bofom-thrilling  mufic  of  her  voice  ; 
The  joy  he  feels  fhall  purify  his  foul, 
And  imp  it  for  anticipated  Heaven,;5 


BOOK   THE    TENTH, 


ARGUMENT. 

Tranfaclions  of  the  French  at  Orlecms.  Arrivals  ef 
Du  Chaftel  and  Richemont.  The  Englijh  meet  their 
expecled  fuccours.  Battle  of  Pat  ay.  The  King  ar- 
rives* The  Poem  concludes  with  the  Coronation  of 
Charles  at  Rkeims. 

A  HE  morning  came,  and  from  the  Eaftern  clouds, 
Emerging  in  his  glory,  the  new  Sun 
Pour'd  on  the  Virgin's  cheek  his  ftartling  rays. 
Serene  fhe  rofe,  her  anguifh  mellowed  down 
Even  to  that  fober  fadnefs  that  delights  5 

On  other  days  to  dwell.     Her  ifTuing  forth 
The  Baftard  met.     "  Hail  Maid  of  Orleans  !  hail 
Preferver  of  the  French,"  the  Chief  exclaim'd. 
"  The  hoflile  hoft  are  fled  ;  yet  not  by  flight 
Shall  England's  robber  fons  efcape  the  arm  10 

Of  Retribution.     Even  now  our  troops, 
By  battle  unfatigued,  unfatisfied 
With  conqueft,  clamor  to  purfue  the  foe." 

The  Delegated  Damfel  thus  replied  : 
"  So  let  them  fly,  Dunois  !  but  other  toils  15 

Than  thofe  of  battle,  thefe  our  hallowed  troops 
S  2,  , 


210  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Await.     Look  yonder  to  that  carnaged  plain  ! 
Behoves  us  there  to  delve  the  general  grave  : 
Then,  Chieftain,  for  purfuit,  when  we  have  paid 
The  rites  of  burial  to  our  fellow-men,  20 

And  hymn'd  our  gratitude  to  that  All-just 
Who  gave  the  conqueft.    Thou,,  meantime,  difpatch 
Tidings  to  Chinon  :  bid  the  King  fet  forth, 
That  crowning  him  before  anembled  France, 
In  Rheims  delivered  from  the  enemy,  25 

I  may  accomplifh  all."     So  faid  the  Maid, 
Then  to  the  gate  moved  on.    The  anembled  troops 
Beheld  their  coming  Chief,  an&fmote  their  Ihields^ 
Clamoring  their  admiration  ;  for  they  thought 
That  (he  would  lead  them  to  the  inftant  war.       30 
She  waved  her  hand,  and  filence  ftill'd  the  hoft. 
Then  thus  the  MhTion'd  Maid,  "  Fellows  in  arms  ! 
We  muft  not  fpeed  to  joyful  victory, 
Whilft  our  unburied  comrades,  on  yon  plain, 
Allure  the  carrion  bird.     Give  we  this  day  $5 

To  our  dear  friends  I"     Nor  did  fhe  fpeak  in  vain  ; 
For  as  fhe  fpake,  the  third  of  battle  dies 
In  every  breaft,  fach  awe  and  love  pervade     [plain 
The  liftening   troops.     They  o'er  the   corfe-ftrewn 
Speed  to  their  fad  employment :  fome  dig  deep   40 
The  houfe  of  Death  ;  fome  bear  the  lifelefs  load  ; 
One  little  troop  fearch  carefully  around, 
If  haply  they  might  find  furviving  yet 
Some  wounded  wretches.     As  they  labor  thus, 
They  mark  far  off  the  iron-blaze  of  arms  ;  45 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  *u 

See  diftant  ftandards  waving  on  the  air, 
And  hear  the  clarion's  clang.    Then  fpake  the  Maid 
To  Conrade,  and  fhe  bade  him  fpeed  to  view 
The  coming  army  ;  or  to  meet  their  march 
With  friendly  greeting,  or  if  foes  they  came         $Q 
With  fuch  array  of  battle  as  fhort  fpace 
Allowed  :  the  Warrior  fped  acrofs  the  plain, 
And  foon  beheld  the  banner'd  lilies  wave. 

Their  Chief  was  Richemont :  he,  when  as  he  heard 
What  rites  employed  the  Virgin,  ftraightway  bade 
His  troops  affift  in  burial :  they,  though  grieved 
At  late  arrival,  and  the  expected  day 
Of  conqueft  pall,  yet  give  their  willing  aid  : 
They  dig  the  general  grave,  and  thither  bear 
Englifh  or  French,  alike  commingled  now  !  6© 

And  heap  the  mound  of  Death.     Amid  the  plain 
There  was  a  little  eminence,  of  old 
Piled  o'er  lbme  honored  Chieftain's  narrow  houfe. 
His  praife  the  fong  had  ceas'd  to  celebrate, 
And  many  an  unknown  age  had  the  long  grafs   65 
Waved  o'er  the  namelefs  mound,  tho'  barren  now 
Beneath  the,  frequent  tread  of  multitudes. 
There,  elevate,  the  Martial  Maiden  ftood. 
Her  brow  unhelmed,  and  floating  on  the  wind 
Her  long  dark  locks.     The  filent  troops  around  70 
Stood  thickly  throng'd,  as  o'er  the  fertile  field 
Billows  the  ripen'd  corn.     The  paffing  breeze 
Bore  not  a  murmur  from  the  numerous  holt, 
Such  deep  at{£  ition  held  them.     She  began. 


2i2  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

"  Glory  to  thofe  who  in  their  country's  caufe  7  J 
Fall  in  the  field  of  battle  !    Citizens, 
I  ftand  not  here  to  mourn  thefe  gallant  men, 
Our  comrades,  nor  with  vain  and  idle  phrafe 
Of  pity  and  companion,  to  confole 
The  friends  who  loved  them.  They,  indeed,  who  fall 
Beneath  Oppreffion's  banner,  merit  well 
Our  pity  ;  may  the  God  of  Peace  and  Love 
Be  merciful  to  thofe  blood-guilty  men 
Who  came  to  defolate  the  realm  of  France, 
To  make  us  bow  the  knee,  and  crouch  like  flaves,  &jf 
Before  a  tyrant's  footftool !     Give  to  thefe, 
And  to  their  wives  and  orphan  little-ones, 
That  on  their  diftant  father  vainly  cry 
For  bread,  give  thefe  your  pity.     Wretched  men, 
Forced  or  inveigled  from  their  homes,  or  driven  90 
By  Need  and  Hunger  to  the  trade  of  blood  5. 
Or,  if  with  free  and  willing  mind  they  came, 
Mofl  wretched— for  before  the  eternal  throne 
They  ftand,  as  hireling  murderers  arraign'd. 
But  our  dead  comrades  for  their  freedom  fought ; 
No  arts  they  needed,  nor  the  fpecious  bribes 
Of  promife,  to  allure  them  to  this  fight, 
This  holy  warfare  !   them  their  parents  fent, 
And  as  they  raifed  their  ftreaming  eyes  to  Heaven, 
Bade  them  go  forth,  and  from  the  ruffian's  fvvord 
Save  their  grey  hairs :  thefe  men  their  wives  fent  forth, 
Fix'd  their  laft  kifles  on  their  armed  hands, 
And  bade  them  in  the  battle  think  they  fought 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  213 

For  them  and  for  their  babe?.     Thus  rous'd  to  rage 
By  every  milder  feeling,  they  rufh'd  forth,  105 

They  fought,  they  conquered. 

"  To  this  high-rear'd  moundr 
The  men  of  Orleans  fhall  in  after  days 
Bring  their  young  boys,  and  tell  them  of  the  deeds 
Our  gallant' friends  achieved,  and  bid  them  learn 
Like  them  to  love  their  country,  and  like  them,  no 
Should  wild  Oppreffion  pour  again  its  tide 
Ofdefolation,  to  ftep  forth  and  ftera 
Fearlefs-the  furious  torrent*     Men  of- France  ! 
Mourn  not  for  thefe  our;  comrades  ;  boldly  they 
Fought  the  good  fight,  and  that  Eternal  One,    1 15 
Who  bade  the  angels  harbinger  his  word" 
With  "Peace  on  Earth,"  rewards  them.  We  furvive, 
Honoring  their  memories  to  avenge  their  fall 
On  England's  ruffian  hordes ;  in  vain  her  chiefs 
Madly  will  drain  her  wealth  and  wafte  her  blood 
To  concuier  this  vaft  realm  !  for,  eafier  were  it 
To  hurl  the  rooted  mountain  from  its  bafe, 
Than  force  the  yoke  of  flavery  upon  men 
Determin'd  to  be  free  :  yes— let  them  rage, 
And  drain  their  country'swealth,and  wafteherblood, 
And  pour  their  hireling  thoufands  on  our  coafts, 
Sublime  amid  the  ftorm  fhall  France  arife, 
And  like  the  rock  amid  furrounding  waves, 
Repel  the  ruining  ocean — me  fhall  wield 
The  thunderbolt  of  vengeance— fhe  fhall  blaft     130 
The  Defpots  that  affail  her."     As  fhe  ceas'd, 


214  JOAN    OF    JRC^  ' 

Such  murmur  from  the  multitude  arofe* 

As  when  at  twilight  hour  the  fummer  breeze 

Moves  o'er  the  elmy  vale  :  there  was  not  one 

Who  mourn'd  with  feeble  forrow  for  his  friend,  135', 

Slain  in  the  fight  of  Freedom  ;  or  if  chance 

Remembrance  with  a  tear  fuffus'd  the  eye, 

The  Patriot's  joy  flafh'd  thro'.     And  now  the  rites 

Of  fepulture  perform'd,  the  hymn  to  Heaven 

They  chanted.     To  the  town  the  Maid  return'd, 

Dunois  with  her,  and  Richemont,  and  the  man, 

Conrade,  whofe  converfe  moll  the  Virgin  loved. 

They  of  purfuit  and  of  the  future  war 

Sat  communing  ;  when  loud  the  trumpet's  voice 

Proclaim'd  approaching  herald.     "  To  the  Maid," ' 

Exclaim'd  the  MefTenger,  "  and  thee,  Dunois, 

Son  of  the  Chief  he  loved  !  Du  Chattel  fends 

Greeting.     The  aged  warrior  has  not  fpared 

All  active  efforts  to  partake  your  toil, 

And  ferve  his  country  ;  and  tho'  late  arrived,     15© 

He  fhare  not  in  the  fame  your  arms  acquire  ; 

His  heart  is  glad  that  he  is  late  arrived, 

And  France  preferved  thus  early.     He  were  here 

To  join  your  hoft,  and  follow  on  their  flight, 

But  Richemont  is  his  foe.     To  that  high  Lord  155 

Thus  fays  my  Mafter  :  We,  tho'  each  to  each. 

Be  hoftile,  are  alike  the  embattled  fons 

Of  this  our  common  country.     Do  thou  join 

The  conquering  troops*  and  profecute  fuccefs ; 

I  will  the  while  aflault  what  guarded  towns       160 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  215 

Bedford  yet'  holds  in  Orleannois  :  one  day, 
Perhaps  the  Conftable  of  France  may  learn 
He  wrong'd  Du  Chattel."     As  the  herald  fpake, 
The  crimfon  current  rutti'd  to  Richemont's  cheek. 

•"  Tell  to  thy  Matter,"  eager  he  replied,  165 

*'  I  am  the  foe  of  thofe  Court  Parafites 
Who  poifon  the  King's  ear.     Him  who  fhall  ferve 
Our  country  in  the  field,  I  hold  my -friend  : 

;  Such  may  Du  Chattel  prove."     So  faid  the  Chief, 
And  paufing  as  the  Herald  went  his  way,  170 

Gaz'd  on  the  Virgin.     "  Maiden  !   if  aright 
I  deem,  thou  doft  not  with  a  friendly  eye 
Scan  my  paft  deeds."    Then  o'er  the  Damfel's  cheek 
A  faint  glow  fpread.    "  True,  Chieftain  I "  (he  replied, 
"  Report  befpeaks  thee  haughty,  of  thy  power   175 
Jealous,  and  to  the  fliedding  human  blood 
Revengeful."     "  Maid  of  Orleans  !"  he  exclaim'd, 

■■"  Should  the  Wolf  jlaughter  thy  defencelefs  flock, 
Were  it  a  crime  if  thy  more  mighty  force 
Deftroy'd  the  fell  deftroyer  ■?  if  thy  hand  18.0 

Had  pierc'd  the  rufEan  as  he  burft  thy  door 

;Prepar'd  for  midnight  murder,  would'ft  thou  feel 
The  weight  of  blood  prefs  heavy  on  thy  foul  ? 
I  flew  the  Wolves  of  State,  the  Murderers 
Of  thousands.     JOAN!  when  rutted  in  its  fheath, 
The  fword  of  Juftice  hung,  blam'ft  thou  the  man 
That  lent  his  weapon  for  the  virtuous  deed  J" 
.    Conrade  replied.     "  Nay,  Richemont,  it  were  well 

To  pierce  the  ruffian  as  he  burtt  thy  doors  j 


iiC  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

But  if  he  bear  the  plunder  fafely  thence,  190 

And  thou  fhould'ft  meet  him  on  the  future  day.; 
Vengeance  muft  not  be  thine  :  there  is  the  law 
To  punifh  ;  and  if  thy  impatient  hand, 
Unheard  and  uncondemn'd,  mould  execute 
Death  on  that  man,  Juftice  will  not  allow  195 

The  Judge  in  the  AccufcH"     "  Thou  haft  faid 
Right  wifely,  Warrior  !"  cried  the  Conftable  ; 
"  But  there  are  guilty  ones  above  the  law, 
Men  whofe  black  crimes  exceed  the  utmoft  bound 
Of  private  guilt ;  court  vermin  that  buz  round,  200 
And  fly-blow  the  King's  ear,  and  make  him  wafte, 
In  this  moft  perilous  time,  his  people's  wealth 
And  blood  :  immers'd  one  while  in  crimfon  floth, 
Heedlefs  tho'  ruin  threat  the  realm  they  rule  ; 
And  now  projecting  fome  mad  enterprize,  205 

To  certain  Slaughter  fend  their  wretched  troops. 
Thefe  are  the  men  that  make  the  King  fufpect 
His  wifeft,  faithfulleft,  beft  Counfellors  ; 
And  for  themfelves  and  their  dependants,  feize 
All  places,  and  all  profits  ;  and  they  wreft         21* 
To  their  own  ends  the  Statutes  of  the  land, 
Or  fafely  break  them  :   thus,  or  indolent, 
Or  active,  ruinous  alike  to  France. 
Wifely  thou  fayeft,  Warrior  !  that  the  Law 
Should  ftrike  the  guilty  ;  but  the  voice  of  Juftice 
Cries  out,  and  brings  conviction  as  it  cries  j 
Whom  the  Laws  cannot  reach  the  Dagger  mould.'* 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  217 

The  Maid  replied,  "  I  blame  thee  not,  O  Chief  ! 
If,  reafoning  to  thine  own  conviction  thus, 
Thou  didft,  well  fatisfied,  deftroy  thefe  men        220 
Above  the  Law  :  but  if  a  meaner  one, 
Self-conftituting  him  the  Minifter 
Of  Juftice,  to  the  death  of  thefe  bad  men     [Teized, 
Had  wrought  the  deed,  him  would  the  Laws  have 
And  doom'd  a  Murderer  :  thee,  thy  power  preferred  ! 
And  what  haft  thou  exampled  ?  thou  haft  taught 
All  men  to  execute  what  deeds  of  blood 
Their  will  or  paffion  fentence  :  right  and  wrong 
Confounding  thus,  and  making  Power,  of  all, 
Sole  arbiter.     Thy  acts. were  criminal,.  230 

Yet,  Richemont,  for  thou  didft  them  felf-approved, 
I  may  not  blame  the  agent.     Truft  me,  Chief  i 
That  when  a  People  forely  are  oppreft, 
The  hour  of  violence  will  come  too  foon, 
And  he  does  wrong  who  haftens  it.     He  beft     235 
Performs  the  Patriot's  and  the  Good  Man's  part, 
Who,  in  the  ear  of  Rage  and  Faction,  breathes 
The  healing  words  of  Love." 

Thus  communed  they  ; 
Meantime,  all  panic-ftruck  and  terrified, 
The  Englifh  urge  their  flight  ;  by  other  thoughts 
PolTefs'd,  than  when,  elate  with  arrogance, 
They  dreamt  of  conqueft,  and  the  crown  of  France 
At  their  difpofal.      Of  their  hard-fought  fields, 
Of  glory  hardly-earn'd,  and  loft  with  lhame, 
Of  friends  and  brethren  flaughtei'd,  and  the  fate  2^.5 
T 


.ai8  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Threatening  themfelves,  they  brooded  fadly  ;  now 
Repentant,  late,  and  vainly.     They  whom  fear 
Frit  made  obedient  to  their  conquering  march, 
At  their  defeat  exultant,  wreak  what  ills 
Their  .power  allow'd.   Thus  many  a  league  they  fled, 
Marking  their  path  with  ruin,  day  by  day 
Leaving  the  weak  and  wounded,  deftitute, 
To  the  foe's  mercy  ;  thinking  cf  their  home, 
Though  to  that  far-off  profpect  fcarcely  Hope 
Could  raife  her  fickly  eye.     Oh  !  then  what  joy  255 
Infpir'd  anew  their  bofoms,  when,  like  clouds 
Moving  in  fhadows  down  the  diftant  hill, 
They  mark'd  their  coming  fuccors  !  in  each  heart 
Doubt  rais'd  a  bufy  tumult  ;  foon  they  knew 
The  friendly  ftandard,  and  a  general  fhout  260 

Burft  from  the  joyful  ranks  ;   yet  came  no  joy 
To  Talbot  :  he,  with  dark  and  downward  brow, 
Mus'd  flernly,  till  at  length  arous'd  to  hope 
Of  vengeance,  welcoming  his  warrior  fon, 
He  brake  a  fullen  fmile.  ■      "  Son  cf  my  age  !   265 
Welcome,  young  Talbot,  to  thyfirft  of  fields. 
Thy  father  bids  thee  welcome,  though  difgraced, 
Baffled,  and  Hying  from  a  Woman's  arm  ! 
Yes,  by  my  former  glories,  from  a  Woman  ! 
The  fcourge  of  France  !   the  conqueror  of  Men  1 
Flying  before  a  Woman  !    Son  of  Talbot, 
Had  the  winds  wafted  thee  a  few  days  fooner, 
Thou  hadft  feen  mc  high  in  honor,  and  thy  name 
Alone  had  fcatter'd  armies  :  yet,  my  Child, 


BOOK    THE    TENTH,  219 

I  bid  thee  welcome  !   reft  we  here  our  flight,      275 
And  lift  again  the  fword."     So  fpake  the  Chief  ; 
And  well  he  coimfeli'd  :  for  not  yet  the  fun 
Had  reach'd  meridian  height,  when  o'er  the  plain 
Of  Patay  they  beheld  the  troops  of  France 
Speed  in  purfuit.      Collected  in  himfelf  280 

Appear'd  the  might  of  Talbot.    Thro'  the  ranks 
He  ftalks,  reminds  them  of  their  former  fame, 
Their  native  land,  their  homes, the  friends  they  lov'd, 
All  the  rewards  of  this  day's  victory. 
But  awe  had  fill'd  the  Engliih,  and  they  ftruck  285 
Faintly  their  fhields  :  for  they  who  had  beheld 
The  hallowed  banner  with  celeflial  light 
Irradiate,  and  the  Miffion'd  Maiden's  deeds, 
Felt  their  hearts  fink  within  them,  at  the  thought 
Of  her  near  vengeance  ;  and  the  tale  they  told  290 
Rous'd  fuch  a  tumult  in  the  new-come  troops, 
As  fitted  them  for  fear.     The  aged  Chief 
Beheld  their  drooping  valor  :  his  ftern  brow, 
Wrinkled  with  thought, bewray 'd  his  inward  doubts  :. 
Still  he  was  firm,  tho'  all  might  fly,  refolved    295 
That  Talbot  fhould  retrieve  his  old  renown, 
And  period  Life  with  Glory.     Yet  fome  hope 
Infpir'd  the  Veteran,  as  acrofs  the  plain 
Cafting  his  eye,  he  mark'd  the  embattled  flrength 
Of  thoufands  ;    Archers  of  unequall'd  fkill,         300 
Brigans,  and  Pikemen,  from  whofe  lifted  points 
A  fearful  radiance  flafh'd,  and  young  Efquires, 
And  high-born  Warriors,  bright  in  blazon'd  arms, 


220  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Nor  few,  nor  famelefs  were  the  Englifh  Chiefs  : 

In  many  a  field  victorious,  he  was  there,  305 

The  garter' d  Faftolffe  ;  Hungerford,  and  Scales, 

Men  who  had  feen  thehoftile  fquadrons  fly 

Before  the  arms  of  England.     Suffolk  there, 

The  haughty  Chieftain  tower'd  ;  bleft  had  he  fallen, 

Ere  yet  a  Courtly  Minion  he  was  mark'd  310 

By  public  hatred,  and  the  murderer's  name  I 

There  tuo  the  Son  of  Talbot,  young  in  arms, 

Moved  eager  he,  at  many  a  tournament, 

With  matchlefs  force,  had  pointed  his  flrong  lance,. 

O'er  all  opponents,  victor  :  confident  315 

In  ftrength,  and  jealous  of  his  future  fame, 

His  heart  beat  high  for  battle.     Such  array 

Of  martiall'd  numbers  fought  not  on  the  fieM 

Of  Crecy,  nor  at  Foictiers  ;  nor  fuch  force 

Led  Henry  to  the  fight  of  Azincour,  320 

When  thoufands  fell  before  him.     Onward  move 

The   hofc    of   France  ;    and    now  their   venturous 

Knights 
Difmount  ;  their  fafety,  and  their  country's  weal, 
Trufting  to  their  own  ftrength.     The  Maid  alone, 
Confpicuous  on  a  coal-black  courier,  meets  325 

The  war.     They  moved  to  battle  with  fuch  found 
As  ruflies  o'er  the  vaulted  firmament, 
When  from  his  feat,  on  the  utmoil  verge  of  Heaven 
That  overhangs  the  Void,  Father  of  Winds  ! 
Hrjesvelger  darting,  rears  his  giant  bulk,        33a 
And  from  his  Eagle  pinions  fhakes  the  ftorrru 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  221 

High  on  her  ftately  freed  the  Martial  Maid 
Rode  foremoft  of  the  war  :  her  burnifh'd  arms 
Shone  like  the  brook  that  o'er  its  pebbled  courfe 
Runs  glittering  gaily  to  the  noon- tide  fun.  335 

Her  foaming  courfer,  of  the  guiding  hand 
Impatient,  fmote  the  earth,  and  tofs'd  his  mane, 
And  rear'd  aloft  with  many  a  froward  bound, 
As  though  the  Maiden's  fkill,  and  his  own  ftrength 
Proud  to  difplay.     The  light  gale  with  her  plumes 
Wantoned.     Even  fuch  a  fair  and  warlike  form 
Pelides  moved  from  Scyros,  where  conceal'd 
He  lay,  obedient  to  his  mother's  fears, 
A  feemly  Virgin  ;  thus  the  Youth  appear'd 
Terribly  graceful,  when  upon  his  neck  345 

Deidameia  hung  ;  and  with  a  look 
That  fpake  the  tumult  of  her  troubled  breaft, 
Fear,  anguifh,  and  upbraiding  tendernefs, 
Gazed  on  the  father  of  her  unborn  babe. 

An  Englifh  Knight,  who  eager  for  renown     350 
Late  left  his  peaceful  manfion,  mark'd  the  Maid. 
Her  power  miraculous,  and  fearful  deeds 
He  from  the  troops  had  heard  incredulous, 
And  fcoiPd  their  eafy  fears,  and  vow'd  that  he, 
Proving  the  magic  of  this  dreaded  Girl  355 

In  equal  battle,  would  diilblve  the  fpell, 
Powerlefs  oppos'd  to  valor.     Forth  he  fpurr'd 
Before  the  ranks  ;  fhe  mark'd  the  coming  foe, 
And  fix'd  her  lance  in  reft,  and  rufh'd  along. 
Midway  they  met ;  full  on  her  buckler  driv'n,   360 
T  2 


222  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Shiver'd  the  Englifli  fpear  :  her  better  force 
Drove  the  brave  foeman  fcnfelefs  from  his  feat* 
Headlong  he  fell,  nor  ever  to  the  fenfe 
Of  fhame  awoke,  for  ruining  multitudes 
Soon  cruhVd  the  helplefs  Warrior.     Then  the  Maid 
Rode  thro'  the  thickeft  battle  :  faft  they  fell, 
Pierced  by  her  forceful  fpear.      Amid  the  troops 
Plunged  her  ftrong  war-horfe,  by  the  noife  of  arms 
Elate,  and  rous'd  to  rage,  he  tramples  o'er, 
Or  with  the  lance  protended  from  his  front,   [turns 
Thrufts  down  the  thronging  fquadrons.    Where  (lie 
The  £oz  tremble  and  die.      Such  ominous  fear 
Seizes  the  Traveller  o'er  the  tracklefs  fands, 
Who  marks  the  dread  Simoom  acrofs  the  wafle, 
Sweep  i:s  fwift  peftilence  :  to  earth  he  falls,       375 
Nor  dares  give  utterance  to  the  inward  prayer, 
Deeming  the  Genius  of  the  Defart  breathes 
The  purple  blail  of  Death.      Such  was  the  found 
As  when  the  tempefl,  mingling  air  and  fea, 
Flies  o'er  the  uptorn  ocean  :   dafhing  high  380 

Their  foamy  heads  amid  the  incumbent  clouds, 
The  madden' d  billows,  with  their  deafening  roar, 
Drown  the  loud  thunder's  peal.     In  every  form 
Of  horror,  Deadi  was  there.     They  fall,  transfix'd 
By  the  random  arrov/'s  point,  or  fierce-thruft  lance, 
Or  fink,  all  battered  by  the  ponderous  mace  : 
Seme  from  their  courfers  thrown,  lie  on  the  earth, 
Unwieldy  in  their  arms,  that  weak  to  fave, 
Protracted  all  the  agonies  of  Death. 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  223 

But  mod  the  Englifh  fell,  by  their  own  fears  390 
Betrayed,  for  Fear  the  evil  that  it  dreads 
Increafes.     Even  the  Chiefs,  who  many  a  day 
Had  met  the  war  and  conquered,  trembled  now, 
Appall'd  by  her,  the  Maid  miraculous. 
Thus  the  blood-nurtured  Monarch  of  the  wood,  395 
That  o'er  the  wilds  of  Afric,  in  his  flrength 
Refiftlefs  ranges,  when  the  mutinous  clouds 
Bur  ft,  and  the  lightnings  thro'  the  midnight  fky 
Dart  their  red  fires,  lies  fearful  in  his  den, 
And  howls  in  terror  to  the  palling  ftorm. 

But  Talbot,  fearlefs  where  the  bravefr,  fear'd, 
Mowed  down  the  hoftile  ranks.    The  Chieftain  flood 
Like  the  ftrong  oak,  amid  the  tempeft's  rage, 
That  {lands  unharm'd  ;  and  whilft  the  foreft  falls 
Uprooted  round,  lifts  his  high  head  aloft,  405 

And  nods  majeftic  to  the  warring  wind. 
Him,  prefent  danger  but  magnanimates  : 
He  fought  refolved  to  fnatch  the  fliield  of  Death 
And  ihdterhim  from  Shame.     The  very  herd 
Who  fought  near  Talbot,  tho'  the   Virgin's  name 
Made  their  cheeks  pale,  and  drove  the  curdling  blood 
Back  to  their  hearts,   caught  from  his  daring  deeds 
New  force,  and  went  like  Eaglets  to  the  prey 
Beneath  their  mother's  wing.     Nor  his  high  birth 
Difgrac'd  the  Son  of  Talbot ;  by  his  fire  415 

Emulous  he  ilrove,  like  the  young  Lionet 
When  firfl  he  bathes  his  murderous  jaws  in  blood. 
They  fought  intrepid,  tho'  amid  their  ranks 


224  JO  A 17   OF    ARC, 

Fear  and  Confufion  triumph'd  ;  for  fuch  awe 
Poffefs'd  the  Englilh,  as  the  Etrufcans  felt,  420 

When  felf-devoted  to  the  Infernal  Gods 
The  gallant  Decius  flood  before  the  troops, 
Robed  in  the  victim  garb  of  facrifice,  : 
And  fpake  aloud,  and  call'd  the  Shadowy  Powers 
To  give  to  Rome  the  conqueft,  and  receive         425 
Their  willing  prey  ;  then  rufh'd  amid  the  foe, 
And  died  upon  the  hecatombs  he  flew. 

But  Hope  infpir'd  the  aflailants.   Xaintrailles  there 
Spread  fear  and  death  ;  and  Orleans'  valiant  Son 
Fought  as  when  Warwick  fled  before  his  arm,    430 
O'er  all  preeminent  for  hardieft  deeds 
Was  Conrade.     Where  he  drove  his  battle-axe, 
Weak  was  the  buckler  or  the  helm's  defence, 
Hauberk,  or  plated  mail  ;  thro'  all  it  pierced, 
Refiftlefs  as  the  forked  flalli  of  Heaven.  435 

The  death-doom'd  foe,  who  mark'd  the  coming  Chief, 
Felt  fuch  a  chill  run  thro'  his  fhivering  frame, 
As  the  night  traveller  of  the  Pyrenees, 
Lone  and  bewildered  on  his  wint'ry  way, 
When  from  the  mountains  round  reverberates    440 
The  hungry  Wolves'  deep  yell :  on  every  fide, 
Their  fierce  eyes  gleaming  as  with  meteor  fires, 
The  famifh'd  troop  come  round  :  the  affrighted  mule 
Snorts  loud  with  terror  :  on  his  fhuddering  limbs 
The  big  fweat  ftarts  ;  convulfive  pant  his  fides  ; 
Then  on  he  rufhes,  wild  in  defperate  fpeed. 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  225 

Him  dealing  death  an  Englifli  Knight  beheld, 
And  fpurr'd  his  freed  to  crufh  him  :  Conrade  leap'd 
Lightly  afide,  and  thro'  the  Warrior's  greeves 
Fix'd  a  deep  wound  :  nor  longer  could  the  foe,  450 
Tortur'd  with  anguiih,  guide  his  mettled  horfe* 
Or  his  rude  plunge  endure  ;  headlong  he  fell, 
And  perihYd.     In  his  cattle-hall  was  hung 
On  high  his  father's  fhield,  with  many  a  dint 
Graced  on  the  blood-drenched  plain  of  Azincour  r 
His  deeds  the  fon  had  heard ;  and  when  a  boy,, 
Liftening  delighted  to  the  old  man^  tale, 
His  little  hand  would  lift  the  weighty  fpear 
In  warlike  paftime  :  he  had  left  behind 
An  infant  offspring,  and  did  fondly  deem  460 

He  too  in  age  the  exploits  of  his  youdi 
Should  tell,  and  in  the  Stripling's  bofom  roufe 
The  nre  of  glory.     Conrade  the  next  foe 
Smote  where  the  heaving  membrane  feparates 
The  chambers  of  the  trunk.     The  dying  man,  465 
In  his  Lord's  cattle  dwelt,  for  many  a  year, 
A  well-beloved  fervant  :  he  could  fing 
Carols  for  Shrove-tide,  or  for  Candlemas* 
Songs  for  the  Waffel,  and  when  the  Boar's  head, 
Crown'd  with  gay  garlands,  and  with  Rofemary, 
Smoked  on  the  Chriitmas  board  :  he  went  to  war 
Following  the  Lord  he  loved,  and  law  him  fall 
Beneath  the  arm  of  Conrade,  and  expir'd, 
Slain  on  his  Matter's  body.     Nor  the  fight 
Was  doubtful  long.     Fierce  on  the  invading  hoil 


22  6  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Prefs  the  French  troops  impetuous,  as  of  old, 
When,  pouring  o'er  his  legion  flaves  on  Greece,. 
The  Eaftern  Defpot  bridged  the  Hellefpont, 
The  ruining  fea  againft  the  mighty  pile 
Roll'd  its  full  weight  of  waters  ;  far  away         48c 
The  fearful  Satrap  mark'd  on  Afia's  coafts 
The  floating  fragments,  and  with  ominous  fear 
Trembled  for  the  Great  King.     Still  Talbot  drove, 
Tho'  with  vain  valor,  as  when  Ali  rear'd 
In  the  midnight  war  the  warrior* withering  cry  !  485 
The  aged  HerS  rear'd  his  two-edged  fwordr 
And  ever  as  he  fmote  a  foe,  exclaim'd, 
11  God  is  victorious  !"  in  the  battle's  clang. 
Four  hundred  times  from  Ali's  powerful  voice 
That  found  of  Death  was  heard  :  but  vainly  ftrove 
The  blamelefs  Chieftain,  by  the  Affaffin's  hand 
Deftin'd  to  end  a  life  of  fruftrate  hopes. 

Young  Talbot  mark'd  the  Maid  acrofs  the  plain, 
Careering  fierce  in  conqueit.     Her  to  meet 
He  fpurr'd  his  horfe,  by  one  decifive  deed  495 

Or  to  retrieve  the  battle,  or  to  fall 
With  glory.  ,  Each  beneath  the  other's  blow 
Bow'd  down  ;  .their  lances  fhiver'd  with  the  fhock  ; 
To  earth  their  courfers  fell  :  at  once  they  rofe, 
At  once  uniheath'd  their  falchions,  and  rufh'd  on 
To  clofer  combat.     But  in  vain  the  Youth 
Effay'd  to  pierce  thofe  arms  that  even  the  power 
Of  Time  was  weak  to  injure  :  fhe  the  while 
Thro'  many  a  wound  beheld  her  foeman's  blood 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  227 

Ooze  faft.     "Yet  fave   thee,  Warrior  !"  cried  the 
Maid,  505 

"  Me  canft  thou  not  deftroy  :  be  timely  wife, 
And  live  !"  He  anfwered  not,  but  lifting  high 
His  weapon,  drove  with  fierce  and  forceful  arm 
Full  on  the  Virgin's  helm  :  fire  from  her  eyes 
Flafh'd  with  the  (broke  :   one  .ftep  fhe  back  recoil'd, 
Then  in  his  bread:  plung'd  deep  the  fword  of  Deaths 

Him  falling  Talbot  faw.     On  the  next  foe, 
With  rage  and  anguifli  wild,  the  Warrior  turn'd  ; 
His  ill-directed  weapon  to  the  earth 
Drove   down  the   unwounded  Frank :  he   lifts   the 
And  thro' his  all-in-vain  imploring  hands      [fword 
Cleaves  the  poor  iuppliant.     On  that  dreadful  day' 
The  fword  of  Talbot,  clogg'd  with  hoftile  gore,    2 
Made  good  its  vaunt.     Amid  the  heaps  his  arm 
Had  ilain,  the  Chieftain  flood  andiway'd  around 
His  furious  ftrokes  :  nor  ceas'd  he  from  the  fight, 
Tho'  now  difcomfited,  the  Englifh  troops 
Fled  faft,,  all  panic -(track  and  fpiritlefs  ; 
And  mingling  with  the  routed,  Faftolffe  fled 
Falfe  to  his  former  fame  ;  for  he  beheld  C25 

The  Maiden  rufhing  onward,  and  fuch  fear 
Ran  thro'  his  frame,  as  thrills  the  African 
When,  grateful  folace  in  the  fultry  hour, 
He  rifes  on  the  buoyant  billow's  bread 
If  then  his  eye  behold  the  monfter  Shark  rq® 

Gape  eager  to  devour.      But  Talbot  now 
A. moment  paus'u.  for  bending  thitherwards 


228  JOJN    OF    ARC. 

He  mark'd  a  warrior,  fuch  as  well  might  afk 
His  utmoft  force.     Of  ftrong  and  fiately  port 
The  onward  foeman  mov'd,  and  bore  on  high   535 
A  battle-axe,  in  many  a  field  of  blood 
Known  by  the  Englifh  Chieftain.      Over  heaps 
Of  flaughter'd,  ftrode  the  Frank,  and  bade  the  troops 
Retire  from  the  bold  Earl  :  then  Conrade  fpake. 
"  Vain  is  thy  valor,  Talbot !  look  around,  540 

See  where  thy  fquadrons  fly  !   but  thou  {halt  lofe 
No  glory,  by  their  cowardice  fubdued, 
Performing  well  thyfelf  the  foldier's  part." 

"And  let  them  fly!"  the  indignant  Earl  exclaim 'd, 
<l  And  let  them  fly  I  but  bear  thou  witnefs,  Chief! 
That  guiltlefs  of  this  day's  difgrace,  I  fall. 
But,  Frenchmen  !   Talbot  will  not  tamely  fall, 
Or  unrevenged."     So  faying,  for  the  war 
He  flood  prepar'd  :  nor  now  with  heedlefs  rage 
The  Champions  fought,  for  either  knew  full  well 
His  foemen's  prowefs  :  now  they  aim  the  blow 
Inhdious,  with  quick  change  then  drive  the  fteel 
Fierce  on  the  fide  expos'd.     The  unfaithful  arms 
Yield  to  the  ftrong-drivcn  edgt  ;  the  blood  ftreams 
down  [mark'd 

Their    batter'd    mails.      With   fwift   eye   Conrade 
The  lifted  buckler,  and  beneath  impell'd 
His  batt]e-axe  ;  that  inftant  on  his  helm 
The  fword  of  Talbot  fell,  and  with  the  blow 
Shiver'd.     "  Yet  yield  thee, Englifhman!"  exclaim'd 
The  generous  Frank—"  vain  is  this  bloody  ftrife  : 


I 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  229 

Me  fliouldft  thou  conquer,  little  would  my  death 
Avail  thee,  weak  and  wounded ! "     "  Long  enough 
Talbot  has  lived,"  replied  the  fullen  Chief: 
"  His  hour  is  come  ;  yet  fiialt  not  thou  furvive 
To  glory  in  his  fall  !"     So,  as  he  fpake,  $6$ 

He  lifted  from  the  ground  a  maffy  fpear, 
And  rufh'd  again  to  battle.     Now  more  fierce 
The  conflicl  raged,  for  carelefs  of  himfelf, 
And  defperate,  Talbot  fought.     Collected  ftill 
Was  Conrade.     Wherefoe'er  his  foemanaim'd  570 
His  barbed  javelin,  there  he  fwung  around 
The- guardian  fhield :  now  pierc'd  with  many  a  ftroke, 
The  Earl's  emblazon'd  buckler  to  the  earth 
Fell,  fever' d  :  from  his  riven  arms  the  blood 
Stream'd  faft  ;  and  now  the  Frenchman's  battle-axe 
Drove  unrefifted  thro'  the  fhieldlefs  mail. 
Backward  die  Frank  recoil'd.    "  Urge  not  to  death 
This  fruitlefs  conteft,"  cried  he  ;  "live,  Oh  Chief! 
Are  there  not  thofe  in  England  who  would  feel 
Seen  anguifh  at  thy  lofs  ?  a  wife  perchance        $%a 
"Who  trembles  for  thy  fafety,  or  a  child 
Needing  a  Father's  care  !"     Then  Talbot's  heart 
Smote  him.     "  Warrior  !"  he  cried,  "  if  thou  doft 
That  life  is  worth  preferving,  hie  thee  hence,  [think 
And  fave  thyfelf :  I  loath  this  ufelefs  talk."       585 

So  faying,  he  addrefs'dhim  to  the  fight, 
Impatient  of  exiftence  ;  from  their  arms 
Flalh'd  fire,  and  quick  they  panted  ;  but  not  long 
Endured  the  deadly  combat.     With  full  force 
U 


230  JOAN    OF    ARC. 

Down  thro*  his  moulder  even  to  the  cheft,  £90 

Conrade  impell'd  the  ponderous  battle  axe  ; 
And  at  that  inflant  underneath  his  fhield 
Received  the  hoftile  fpear.     Prone  fell  the  Earl, 
Even  in  his  death  rejoicing  that  no  foe 
Should  live  to  boaft  his  fall.     Then  with  faint  hand 
Conrade  unlaced  his  helm,  and  from  his  brow 
Wiping  the  cold  dews,  ominous  of  death, 
He  laid  him  on  the  earth,  thence  to  remove, 
While  the  long  lance  hung  heavy  in  his  fide, 
Powerlefs.     As  thus  befide.his  lifelefs  foe  60© 

He  lay,  the  herald  of  the  Elnglim  Earl 
With  faltering  ftep  drew  near,  and  when  he  faw 
His  matter's  arms,   "  Alas  !   and  is  it  you, 
My  Lord  ?"  he  cried.    ^  God  pardon  you  your  fins  ! 
I  have  been  forty  years  your  officer,  605 

And  time  it  is  I  mould  furrender  now 
The  enfigns  of  my  ofBce  !"     So  he  faid, 
And  paying  thus  his  rite  of  fepulture, 
Threw  o'er  the  flaughter'd  chief  his  blazon'd  coat. 
Then  Conrade  thus  befpake  him  :  ■*  Englifhmam 
Do  for  a  dying  foldier  one  kind  act  1 
Seek  for  the  Maid  of  Orleans,  bid  her  hafte 
Hither,  and  thou  malt  gain  what  recompenfe 
It.pleafes  thee  to  afk."      The  herald  foon, 
Meeting  the  miffion'd  Virgin,  told  his  tale.         61 5 
Trembling  fhe  haflen'd  on,  and  when  fhe  knew 
The  death-pale  face  of  Conrade,  fcarce  could  JOAN 
Lift  up  the  expiring  warrior's  heavy  hand, 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  231 

And  prefs  it  to  her  heart.     "  I  fent  for  thee, 
My  friend  !"    with  interrupted  voice  he  cried,    626 
"  That  I  might  comfort  this  my  dying  hour 
With  one  good  deed.     A  fair  domain  is  mine  ; 
Let  Francis  and  his  Ifabel  pofTefs- 
That,  mine  inheritance."     He  paus'd  awhile, 
Struggling  for  utterance ;  then  with  hreathlefs  fpeed, 
And  pale  as  him  he  mourn'd  for,  Francis  came, 
And  hung  in  filence  o'er  the  blamelefs  man, 
Even  with  a  brother's  forrow  :  he  purfued, 
"This  JOAN  will  be  thy  care.     I  have  at  home- 
An  aged  mother — Francis,  do  thou  foothe  630 

Her  childlefs  age.     Nay,  weep  not  for  me  thus  : 
Sweet  to  the  wretched  is  the  Tomb's  repofe  1" 

So  faying  Comrade  drew  the  javelin  forthr 
And  died  without  a  groan.     By}  this  the  Scouts, 
Forerunning  the  King's  march,  upon  the  plain    635 
Of  Patay  had  arrived,  of  late  fo  gay 
With  marmall'd'thoufands  in  their  radiant  arms, 
And  dreamer  glittering  in  the  noon  tide  fun, 
And  blazon' d  fhields,  and  gay  accoutrements, 
The  pageantry  of  murder  :   now  defiled  640 

With  mingled  duft  and  blood,  and  broken  arms, . 
And  mangled  bodies.     Soon  the  Monarch  joins 
His  victor  army.     Round  the  royal  flag, 
Uprear'd  in  conqueft  now,  the  Chieftains  flockj 
Proffering  their  eager  fervice.     To  his  armsi     645 
Or  wifely  fearful,  or  by  fpeedy  force 
Gompell'd,  the  embattled  towns  fubmit  and  own 


232  JOAN    OF   ARC. 

Their  rightful  King.     Baugenci  drives  in  vain  r 

Jenviile  and  Mehun  yield  ;  from  Sully's  wall 

Hurl'd  is  the  banner'd  Lion  :    on  they  pafs.        65a 

Auxerre,  and  Troyes,  and  Chalons,  ope  their  gates,. 

And  by  the  MifTion'd  Maiden's  rumour'd  deeds 

Infpirited,  the  Citizens  of  Rheims 

Feel  their  own  ftrength  ;  againft  the  Englifh  troops 

With  patriot  valor,  irrefiftible,,  655 

They  rife,  they  conquer,  and  to  their  liege  Lord" 

Prefent  the  city  keys.     The  mom  was  fair 

When  Rheims  re-echoed  to  the  bufy  hum 

Of  multitudes,  for  high  folemnity 

AfTembled.     To  the  holy  fabric  moves  660 

The  long  proceffion,  thro'  the  ftreets  beftrewn 

With  flowers  and  laurel  boughs.  The  Courtier  throng 

Were  there,  and  they  in  Orleans,  who  entfur'd 

The  fiege  right  bravely  :    D'Orval,  and  La  Hirer 

The  gallant  Xaintrailles,   BoufTac,  and  Chabannes, 

La  Fayette,  name  that  Freedom  hull  mail  love. ; 

Alencon,  and  the  braveft  of  the  brave, 

The  Baftard  Orleans,  now  in  hope  elate, 

Soon  to  releafe  from  hard  captivity 

A  dear-beloved  brother.     He  was  there,  670 

Regnier  of  Sicily,  the  Sire  of  her, 

That  great  unfortunate,  whofe  various  woes 

St.  Albans  knew,  and  Hexham's  fatal  field, 

And  the  dark  foreft,  where  the  Robber  met 

The  midnight  Wanderer  and  her  child,  and  vow'd, 

Aw'd  by  the  Majefty  of  Fortitude, 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  233 

His  fword  to  ferve  them.     By  the  Monarch's  fide 
The  Delegated  Damfel  pafs'd  along, 
Clad  in  her  batter'd  arms.     She  bore  on  high 
Her  hallowed  banner  to  the  facred  pile,  680 

And  fix'd  it  on  the  altar,  whilft  her  hand 
Pour'd  on  the  Monarch's  head  the  myftic  oil, 
Wafted  of  yore  by  milk-white  Dove  from  Heaven, 
(So  legends  fay)  to  Clovis,  when  he  flood 
At  Rheims  for  haptifm  ;  dubious  fmce  that  day, 
When  Tolbiac  plain  reek'd  with  his  warrior's  blood,, 
And  fierce  upon  their  flight  the  Alemanni  preft, 
And  rear' d  the  fhout  of  triumph  ;  in  that  hour 
Clovis  invok'd  aloud  the  Chriitian  God, 
And  conquer'd  :    wak'd  to.  wonder  thus,   the  Chief 
Became  Love's  convert,   and  Clotilda  led 
Her  hufband  to  the.  font.     The  Miffion'd  Maid 
Then  placed  on  Charles's  brow  the  Crown  of  France, 
And  back  retiring,  gazed  upon  the  King 
Gne  moment,  quickly  fcanning  all  the  paft,       695. 
Till  in  a  tumult  of  wild  wonderment 
She  wept  aloud;     The  affembled  multitude: 
In  awful  ftillnefs  witnefs'd  :  then  at  once, 
As  with  a  tempeit-rufhing  noife  of  winds,, 
Lifted  their  mingled  clamors.     Now  the  Maid     700. 
Stood  as  prepar'd  to  fpeak,  and  waved  her  hand, 
And  inftant  filence  followed.     "  King  of  France  !" 
She  cried—"  At  Chinon,  when  my  gifted  eye 
Knew  thee  difguis'd,  what  inwardly  the  Spirit 
Prompted,  I  fpake— arm'd  with  the  fword  of  God 
U  2 


234  JOAN   OF   ARC. 

To  drive  from  Orleans  far  the  Englifh  Wolves, 

And  crown  thee  in  the  refcued  walls  of  Rheims^ 

All  is  accomplilh'd.     I  have  here  this  day 

Fulfill'd  my  miflion,  and  anointed  thee 

Chief  Servant  of  the  People.     Of  this  charge,     7 1  o- 

Or  well  perform'd  or  wickedly,  High  Heaven 

Shall  take  account.     If  that  thine  heart  be  good, 

I  know  no  limit  to  the  happinefs 

Thou  mayeft  create.      I  do  befeech  thee,  King  V* 

(The  Maid  exclaim'd,  and  fell  upon  the  ground 

And  clafp'd  his  knees)    "  I  do  befeech  thee,  King  ! 

By  all  the  millions  that  depend  on  thee^ 

For  weal  or  woe— confider  what  thou  art, 

And  know  thy  duty  !    if  thou  doft  opprefs 

Thy  people,  if  to  aggrandize  thyfelf  720. 

Thou  tear'ft  them  from  their  homes,  and  fend'ft' 

them  forth 
To  flaughter,  prodigal  of  mifery  ! 
If  when  the  Widow  and  the  Orphan  groan 
In  want  and  wretchednefs,  thou  turneft  thee 
To  hear  the  mufic  of  the  flatterer's  tongue  ;       725 
If  when  thou  hear' ft  of  thoufands  maflacred, 
Thou  fayeft,   "  I  am  a  King  !    and  fit  it  is 
That  thefe  mould  perifh  for  me."     If  thy  realm 
Should,  thro'  the  counfels  of  thy  government, 
Be  filled  with  woe,  and  in  thy  ftreets  be  heard    730 
The  voice  of  mourning  and  the  feeble  cry 
Of  afking  Hunger  ;  if  at  fuch  a  time 
Thou  dofl:  behold  thy  plenty-covered  board, 


I 


BOOK    THE    TENTH.  235 

And  fliroud  thee  in  thy  robes  of  Royalty, 

And  fay  that  all  is  well — Oh  gracious  God  !       735 

Be  merciful  to  fueh  a  monftrous  man, 

When  the  Spirits  of  the  murder' d  innocent 

Cry  at  thy  throne  for  juftice  !     King  of  France  ! 

Protect  the  lowly,  feed  the  hungry  ones, 

And  be  the  Orphan's  father  !  thus  malt  thou     740 

Become  the  Reprefentative  of  Heaven, 

And  Gratitude  and  Love  eftablifh  thus 

Thy  reign.    Believe  me,  King  !  that  hireling  guards, 

Tho'  flefh'd  in  flaughter,  would  be  weak  to  fave 

A  tyrant  on  the  blood-cemented  Throne  745 

That  totters  underneath  him,"     Thus  the  Maid 

Redeem'd  her  country.      Ever  may  the  All-Just 

Give  to  the  arms  of  Freedom  fuch  fuccefs. 


FINIS. 


N       O       T       E       & 


BOOK    THE    FIRST.- 

Note  Firft,  p.  3.      Line  10. 

DUNOIS  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Herrings,  which 
was  the  laft  vi&ory  of  the  Englifh,  before  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Maid  of  Orleans. 

Note  Second,  p.  5. 
Eihe  53. — Hue  quicquid  fetu  genuit  Natura  finiftro 
Mifcetur.     Non  fpuma  canum,  quibus  unda  timori  eft, 
Vifcera  non  lyncis,  non  dirae  nodus  hysense 
Defuit :  infando  faturatas  carmine  frondes. 
£t  quibus  os  dirum  nafcentibus  infpuit,  herbas  • 
Addidit,  et  quicquid  mundo  dedit  ifpa  veneni 
Afpicit  aftantem  projecti-  corporis  umbram^ 
Exanimes  artus,  invifaque  clauftra  timentem. 

Carceris  antiqui. Luoan,  Lib.  vi. 

Note  Third,  p.  8. 
Line  128. — Harfeedr  was  taken  in  1415.  The  Maid  of 
Orleans  firft  appeared  in. 1 429.  This  agrees  with  the  ac- 
count of  her  age  given  by  Holinfhcd,  who  calls  her  "  a  yong 
wench  of  an  eighteene  years  old  ;  of  favour  was  fhe  counted 
likefome,  of  perfon  ftronglie  made  and  manlie,  of  courage 
great  hardie,  and  ftout  wichall ;  an  underftandcr  of  counfels, 
though  fhe  were  not  at  them  ;  greet  femblance  of  chaftitie, 
both  of  bodie  and  behaviour  ;  the  name  of  Jefus  in  hir  mouth 
about  all  hir  bufineffes,  humble,  obedient,  and  fafting  diverfe 
daies  in  the  weeke."  Holinshed,  600. 

The  Englifhmen,  notwithftanding  all  the  damage  that  the 
French  could  worke  againft  them,  forraied  the  countrie,  fpoil- 
ed  the  villages,  bringing  manie  a  rich  preie  to  the  camp  before 
Harfi'ue.  And  dailie  was  the  towne  affaulted  :  for  the  duke 
of  Glocefter,  to  whome  the  order  of  the  fiege  was  committed, 
made  three  mines  under  the  ground,  and  approching  to  the 
wals  with  his  engins  and  ordinence,  would  not  fufFer  them 
within  to  take  anie  raft,  Holinshed,  549. 


NOTE     S.  237 

Eftouteville  was  Governor  of  Harfleur  ;•  the  place  was  gal- 
lantly defended  under  him  by  Guitri  Gaucour,  and  others  of 
the  French  nobility  ;  but  the  garrifon  was  weak,  and  the  for- 
tifications were  in  bad  repair. 

Note  Fourth,  p.  9. 
Line  159. — "  Some  writing  of  this  yeelding  up  of  Har- 
flue,  doo  in  like  fort  make  mention  of  the  diftreffe  whereto 
the  people,  then  expelled  out  of  their  habitations  were  driven  : 
infomuch  as  parents  with  their  children,  yong  maids  and 
old  folke  went  out  of  the  towne  gates  with  heavie  harts, 
(God  wot)'  as  put  to  their  prefent  fhifts  to  feek  them  a  new 
abode."  Holinsiied,  550. 

This  a<?t  of  defpotic  barbarity  was  perpetrated  by  Henry, 
that  he  might  people  the  town  with  Englifh  inhabitants. 
"  This  doth  Anglorum  prseiia  report,  faieng  (not  without 
good  ground  I  believe)  as  followeth  : 

Turn  flentes  tenera  cum  prole  parentes 
Virgjneufque  chorus  veterres  liquere  penates  : 
Turn  populus  cuncltus  de  portis  Gallicus  exit 
Mceftus,  inarmatus,  vacuus,  mifer  seger,  inopfque  : 
Utque  novas  fedes  quterat  migrare  coa<5r.us  : 
Oppidulo  belli  potiuntur  jure  Britanni  L" 
Note  Fifth,  p-.  18'.. 
Line  421. — Dreadful  indeed  muft  have  been  the  mifcries 
of  the  French  from  vulgar  plunderers,  when   the  manners  of 
the  higheft  claffes  were  marked  by  hideous  groffnefs  and  vices 
that  may  not  be  uttered.     The  following  portrait  of  fome  of 
thefe  outrages  we  give  from  the  notes  of  Andrew's  admiraMe 
hiftory  of   Great  Britain.     "  Agricola  quilibet,  fponfam  juve- 
nem  acquifitus,  ac  in  vicinia  alicujus  viri  nobilis  &   prsepoten- 
tis  habitans,  crudeliffime  vexabatur.     N'erape  nonnunquam  in 
ejus  domum  irruens  ifte  optimas,  magna,  comitante   eaterva, 
pretium  ingens  redemptionis  exigeret,  ac  fi   non  protinus  fol- 
veret  colonus,  iftum  miferum  in  magna  area  protrudens,  ve- 
nuftse  ac  tenerse  uxori  fua?  (fuper  ipfam  arcam  proftratse)  vim 
vir   nobilis    adferret  ;    voce    exclamans  horrenda."       Audine 
Ruftice  !  jamjam,  fuper  hanc  arcam   conftupratur  dile&a  tua 
fponfa,  at  que  peraclo  hoc  fcelere  nefando   relinquerctur   (hor- 
refco  referens),  fuffbeatione  expirans  maritus,  nifi  magno  pre- 
tio  fponfa  nuper  vitiata  liberationem,  ejus  redimeret." 

J.  qe  Paris. 


23S  NO     T     E     8. 

Let  us  add  to  this  the  deteftable  hiflory  of  a  great  command- 
er under  Charles  VII.  of  France,  the  baflard  of  Bourbon,  wh<5 
(after  having  committed  the  moffc  execrable  crimes  during  a 
feries  of  years  with  impunity)  was  drowned  in-  144 1,  by  the 
conftable  Richemont,  (a  treacherous  affaffin,  but  a  mirror  of 
juftice  when  compared  to  his  noble  contemporaries)  on  its- 
being  proved  againft  him  :  "  Quod  fuper  ipfum  maritum  vi 
proftratum  uxori,  fruftra  repugnanti  vim  adtulerer." 

"  Enfuite  il  avoit  fait  battre  et  decouper  le  mari,  rant  que 
c'etoit  pitie  a  voir.  Mem.  de  Ricuemont. 

Page  19. 

Line  438. — Holinfhed  fays,  fpeaking  of  the  fiege  of  Rouen, 
"  If  I  mould  rehearfe  how  deerelie  dogs,  rats,  mife,  and  cats 
were  fold  within  the  towne,  and  hew  greedilie  they  were  by 
the  poore  people  eaten  and  devoured,  and  how  the  people  dai- 
lie  died  for  fault  of  food,  and  yong  infants  laie  fucking  in  ttef.reets 
on  their  mother  s  oreafts,  being  dead  flawed  for  hunger — the  reader 
might  lament  their  extreme  miferies."  p.  566* 

Note  Sixth,  ibid. 

Line  439. — Harfleur. 


BOOK    THE    SECOND, 

Note  Firft,  p.  23. 
Line  34.— Sir  Ifaac  Newton,  at  the  end  of  the  laft  edition  of  his* 
Optics,  fuppofes  that  a  very  fubtile  and  elaftic  fluid,  which  he 
calls  ether,  is  diffufed  through  the  pores  of  grofs  bodies,  as  well 
as  through  the  open  fpaces-that  are  void  of  grofs  matter  ;  he  fup- 
pofes it  to  pierce  all  bodies,  and  to  touch  their  leaft  particles, 
acting  on  them  with  a  force  proportional  to  their  number  or 
to  the  matter  cf  the  hody  on  which  it  ads.  He  fuppofes 
likewife,  that  it  is  rarer  in  the  pores  of  bodies  than  in  open 
fpaces,  and  even  rarer  in  imall  pores  and  denfe  bodies,  than 
in  large  pores  and  rare  bodies  ;  and  alfo  that  its  denfity 
increafes  in  receding  from  grofs  matter;  fo,  for  inftance,  as  to 
be  greater  at  the  T~  of  an  inch  from  the  furfacc  of  any  body, 
than  at  it's  furface  ;  and  fo  on.  To  the  action  of  this  ether 
he  afcribes  the  attractions  of  gravitation  and  cohefion,  the 
attraction  and  repuiiion  of  electrical  bodies,  the  mutual  in- 
fluences of  bodies  and  light  upon  each  other,  the  effects  and 
communication  of  heat,  and  the  performance  of  animal  fenfa- 
tion  and  motion.  David  Hartley,  from  whom  this  account  of 
ether  is  chiefly  borrowed,  makes  ii  the  inflrument  of  propa- 


NOTES. 


■39 


-gating  thofe  vibrations  or  configurative  motions  which  are 
ideas.  It  appears  to  me,  no  hypothefis  ever  involved  fo  many- 
contradictions  ;  for  how  can  the  fame  fluid  be  both  denfe  and 
rare  in  the  fame  body  at  one  time  ?  yet  in  the  Earth  as  grav- 
itating to  the  Moon,  it  muft  be  very  rare ;  and  in  the  Earth 
as  gravitating  to  the  Sun,  it  muft  be  very  denfe.  For,  as  An- 
drew Baxter  well  obferves,  it  doth  not  appear  fufficient  to  ac- 
count how  this  .fluid  may  act  with  a  force  proportional  to  the 
body  to  which  another  is  impelled,  to  affert  that  it  is  rarer  in 
great  bodies  than  in  fmall  ones  :  it  muft  be  farther  afferted 
that  this  fluid  is  rarer  or  denfer  in  the  fame  body,  whether 
fmall  or  great,  according  as  the  body  to  which  that  is  impelled 
is  itfelf  fmall  or  great.  But  whatever  may  be  the  folidity  of 
this  objection,  the  following  feerns  unanfwerable  : 

If  every  particle  through  the  whole  folidity  of  a  heavy 
body  receive  its  impulfe  from  the  particles  of  this  fluid,  it 
fhould  feem  that  the  fluid  itfelf  muft  be  as  denfe  as  the  very 
denfcft  heavy  body,  gold  for  inftance  ;  there  being  as  many- 
impinging  particles  in  the  one,  as  there  are  gravitating  parti- 
cles in  the  other,  which  receive  their  gravitation  by  being  im- 
pinged upon  :  fo  that,  throwing  gold  or  any  heavy  body  up- 
ward, againft  the  impulfe  of  this  fluid,  would  be  like  throw- 
ing gold  through  gold  ;  and  as  this  ether  muft  be  equally  dif- 
fufed  over  the  whole  fphere  of  its  activity,  it  muft  be  as  denfe 
yvhen  it  impels  cork  as  when  it  impels  gold :  fo  that  to  throw 
a  piece  of  cork  upward,  would  be  as  if  we  endeavoured  to 
make  cork  penetrate  a  medium  as  denfe  as  gold  :  and  though 
we  were  to  adopt  the  extravagant  opinions  which  have  been 
advanced  concerning  the  pr-ogrefCon  of  pores,  yet  however 
porous  we  fuppofe  a  body,  if  it  be  riot  all  pore,  the  argument 
holds, equally  ;  the  fluid  muft  be  as  denfe  as  the  body,  in  order 
to  give  every  particle  its  impulfe. 

It  has  been  afferted  that  Sir  Ifaac  Newton's  philofophy  leads 
in  its  confequences  to  Atheifm  :  perhaps  not  without  reafom 
For  if  matter,  by  any  powers  or  properties  given  to  it,  can 
produce  the  order  of  the  vifible  world,  and  even  generate 
thought  ;  why  may  it  not  have  poffeffed  fuch  properties  by  . 
inherent  right  ?  and  where  is  the  neceflity  of  a  God  ?  Matter  is, 
according  to  the  mechanic  philofophy,  capable  of  acting  moft 
wifely  and  moft  beneficently,  without  Wifdom  or  Benevo- 
lence ;  and  what  more  does  the  Atheift  affert  ?  If  matter  pof- 
fefs  thofe  properties,  why  might  it  not  have,  poffeffed  them 


240  NOTE     S. 

from  all  eternity?  Sir  Ifaac  Newton's  Deity  feems  to  be  al- 
ternately operofe  and  indolent  ;  to  have  delegated  fo  much 
power  as  to  make  it  inconceiveable  what  he  can  have  referved. 
He  is  dethroned  by  vice-regent  fecond  caufes. 

We  feem  placed  here  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  effects. 
Whenever  we  would  pierce  into  the  Adyta  of  Caufation,  we 
bewilder  ourfelves;  and  all  that  laborious  Conjecture  can  do, 
is  to  fill  up  the  gaps  of  Imagination.  We  are  reftlefs,  becaufe 
in-vifible  things  are  not  the  objects  of  vifxon — and  philosophical 
fyftems,  for  the  moft  part,  are  received,  not  for  their  Truth, 
but  in  ^proportion  as  they  attribute  to  Caufes  as  fufceptibility 
of  being  feen,  whenever  our  vifual  organs  fhall  have  become 
fufficiently  powerful. 

Note  Second,  p.  25. 

Line  71. — Balda-Zhiok.  i.  e.  mons  altudinis,  the  higheft, 
mountain  in  Lapland. 

Note  Third,  ibid. 

Line  72. — Solfar-Kapper:  capitium  Solfar,liic  locus  omni- 
um, quotquot  veterum  Lapponum  fuperftitio  facrificiis  religi- 
ofque  cultui  dedicavit,  celebratiffimus  erat,  in  parte  finus  au- 
ftralis  fitus,  femimrlliaris  fpatio  a  mari  diftans.  Ipfe  locus, 
quern  curiofitatis  gratia  aliquando  me  invififfe  memini,  duabus 
prsealtis  lapidibus,  fibi  invicem  oppofitis,  quorum  alter  mufco 
circumdatus  erat,  conftabat.  Leemius  de  Lapponibus. 

Line  75. — The  Lapland  women  carry  their  infants  at  their 
backs  in  a  piece  of  excavated  wood,  which  ferves  them  for  a 
cradle  :  oppofite  the  infant's  mouth  there  is  a  hole  for  it  to 
breathe  through. 

Mirandum  prorfus  eft  et  vix  credibile  nifi  cui  vidhTe  contigit. 
Lappones  hyeme  iter  fafcientes  per  vaftos  montes,  per-que  hor- 
rida  et  invia  tefqua,  eo  przefertim  tempore  quo  omnia  perpetuis 
nivibus  obtecta  funt  et  nives  ventis  agitantur  et  in  .gyros  agnn- 
tur,  viam  ad  deftinata  loca  abfque  errore  invenire  poffe,  lac- 
tantem  autem  infantem,  fi  quern  habeat,  ipfa  mater  in  dorf© 
bajulat,  in  excavato  ligno  (Gieed'k  ipfi  vocant)  quod  pro  cunis 
utuntur,  in  hoc  infans  pannis  et  pellibus  convolutus  colligatus 
jacet.  Leemjus  de  Lapponibus^ 

Note  Fourth,  ibid. 

Line  96. — Jaibme  Aibmo. 

Note  Fifth,  p.  26. 

Line  112.. — They  call  the  Good  Spirit  Torngarfuck  the 
other  great  but  malignant  fpirit  is  a  namelcfs  female  ;   ftie 


NOTES.  241 

dwells  under  the  fea  in  a  great  houfe,  where  fhe  can  detain  in 
captivity  all  the  animals  of  the  ocean  by  her  magic  power. 
"When  a  dearth  befals  the  Greenlanders,  an  Angekok  or  ma- 
gician muft  undertake  a  journey  thither  :  he  paffes  through  the 
kingdom  of  fouls,  over  a  horrible  abyfs,  into  the  palace  of  this 
phantom,  and  by  his  enchantments  caufesthe  captive  creatures 
to  afcend  directly  to  the  furface  of  the  ocean. 

See  Crantz.  Hift.  of  Greenland,  Vol.  i,  406. 
Note  Sixth,  p.  30. 

Line  215. — Otus  and  Ephialtes. 

Note   Seventh,  ibid. 

Line  218. — See  the  Edda,  Fab.  24th  of  the  illufions  practif- 
ed  upon  Thor  by  Skrymner. 

Note  Eighth,  p.  33. 

Line  310. — Revel,  vi.  9,  11.  And  when  he  had  opened  the 
fifth  feal,  I  faw  under  the  altar  the  fouls  of  them  that  were 
flain  for  the  word  of  God,  and  for  the  teftimony  which  they 
held.  And  white  robes  were  given  unto  every  one  of  them  ; 
and  it  was  faid  unto  them,  that  they  Ihould  reft  yet  for  a  little 
feafon,  until  their  fellow-fervants  alfo,  and  their  Brethren  that 
Ihould  be  killed,  as  they  were,  fhould  be  fulfilled. 
Note  Ninth,  p.  37. 

Line  428. — The  Slaves  in  the  Weft-india  Iflands  confider 
Death  as  a  paflport  to  their  native  Country. — This  Senti- 
ment is  thus  expreffed  in  the  Introduction  to  a  Greek  Prize 
Ode  on  the  Slave-Trade,  of  which  the  Ideas  are  better  than 
the  Language  or  Metre,  in  which  they  are  conveyed. 

■H.  cry.OTOu  Tv\ac,   Qz.va.Ti,  TpoXitToiv 
Eg  yivog  crTiv£otg  vTro^iy^Qiv  Arx. 
Ov  fyvicr'dna"/)  yivuav  cr7ra.pocyp.01e 

Cud1'  o\o\vytuut 
AKKx  xxt   Y.VY.Koi<ri    yopoiTUTotcri 
Kacr/xxruv  X??0*-'  <r°fopog  /jav   «ro~t, 
Ah\    oyjjg  E\ivhiptx  crvvoiy.uc, 

~2rvyvz  Tvrxvvi  ! 
Axtryuo'.g  (Tit  TTipvyicrcrt  evert 
A  !    bxkao-criov   -/.xSopuvrig  otS'y.a. 
A.t$ipoT\a.yToi$  vtto  too-lt    cevuert 

UciTplSiT    cctocv. 
Ev^x  /y,av  Epxgxt   Epa/xivycrtv 
Aju.pt  Tnyytriv  Kirptvav  V7t    xhcrav, 

Ofl-0"     V7T0    fipOTOtf    ITCtdov    (ZpOTOl,    TX 

Aitvx  hsyovri. 

w 


242  NOTE    -S. 

LITERAL      TRANSLATION. 

Leaving  the  gates  of  Darknefs,  O  Death  !  haften  thou  to  a 
Race  yoked  to  Mifery  !  Thou  wilt  not  he  received  with  lac- 
erations of  Cheeks,  nor  with  funereal  Ululation — hut  with 
circling  Dances  and  the  joy  of  Songs.  Thou  art  terrihle  in- 
deed, yet  thou  dwelleft  with  Liberty,  ftern  Genius  !  Borne 
on  thy  dark  pinions  over  the  fwelling  of  Ocean,  they  return 
to  their  native  Country.  There,  by  the  fide  of  Fountains 
beneath  Citron  Groves,  the  Lovers  teH  to  their  Beloved,  what 
horrors,  being  Men,  they  had  endured  from  Me n  !  S.  T.  C. 
Note  Tenth,  p.  40. 

Line  502.— The  Maid  declared  upon  her  trial,  that  God 
loved  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  and  that  fhe  had  received  more 
revelations  concerning  him,  than  any  perfon  living,  except  the 
King.  Rapin. 

Orleans,  during  his  long  captivity,  "  had  learnt  to  court  the 
fair  ladies  of  England  in  their  native  {trains."    Among  the  Har- 
leian  MSS.  is  a  collection  of  "  love  poems,  roundels  and  fongs," 
compofed  by  the  French  Prince  during  his  confinement. 
Note  Eleventh,  p."  41. 

Line  533. — According  to  Holinfhed,  the  Englifh  army  con- 
fifted  of  only  15,000  men,  harafled  with  a  tedious  march  of  a 
month,  in  very  bad  weather,  through  an  enemy's  country,  and 
for  the  moft  part  fick  of  a  flux.  He  ftates  the  number  of  the 
French  at  60,000,  of  whom  10,000  were  flain,  and  ijoo  of 
the  higher '  order  taken  prifoners.  Some  hiflorians  make  the 
difproportion  in  numbers  ftill  greater.  Goodwin  fays,  that 
among  the  flain  there  were  one  Archbifhop,  three  Dukes,  fix 
Earls,  ninety  Barons,  fifteen  hundred  Knights,  and  feven  thou- 
fand  Efquires  or  Gentlemen. 

Note  Twelfth,  ibid. 

Line  540. — A  company  of  fugitives,  headed  by  Robert  de 
Bournonville,  who  had  retired  by  times  out  of  the  battle,  know- 
ing the  Engliih  camp  was  but  weakly  guarded,  pillaged  it 
during  the  engagement  :  in  confequence  of  this  alarm,  Henry 
ordered  the  prifoners  to  be  flain,  except  the  moil  eminent. 
Note  Thirteenth,  p.  42. 

Line  J  7 7. — Henry  judged,  that  by  fomenting  the  troubles 
of  France,  he  fhould  procure  more  certain  and  lafling  advan- 
tages, than  by  means  of  his  arms.  The  truth  is,  by  pufhing 
the  French  too  vigoroufly,  he  ran  the  rilk  of  uniting  them 
ail  againft   him  ;    in    which   cafe,  his  advantages,  probably, 


NOTES.  243 

Would  have  been  inconfiderable  ;  but  by  granting  them  fome 
refpite,  he  gave  them  opportunity  to  deflroy  one  another  ; 
therefore,  contrary  to  every  one's  expectation,  he  laid  afide 
his  military  affairs  for  near  eighteen  months,  and  betook  him- 
felf  entirely  to  negociation,  which  afforded  him  the  profpecl: 
of  lefs  doubtful  advantages.  Rapin. 

Note   Fourteenth,  p.  43. 

Line  606. — "  Yet  although  the  armie  was  flrong  without, 
there  lacked  not  within  both  hai  die  capteins  and  manfull  fol- 
diers,  and  as  for  people,  they  had  more  than  inough  :  for  ag 
it  is  written  by  fome  that  had  good  caufe  to  know  the  truth, 
and  no  occafion  to  erre  from  the  fame,  there  were  in  the 
citie  at  the  time  of  the  fiege,  210,000  perfons.  Dailie  were 
iffiies  made  out  of  the  citie  at  diverfe  gates,  fometime  to  the 
Ioffe  of  the  one  partie  and  fometimes  of  the  other,  as  chances  of 
warre  in  fuch  adventures  happen."  Holinshed,  566. 

Note  Fifteenth,  p.  44. 

Line  612. — "The  Frenchmen  indeed  preferring  fame  before 
worldlie  riches,  and  defpifmg  pleafure ,  (the  enemie  to  warlike 
proweffe)  fware  ech  to  other,  never  to  render  or  deliver  the 
citie,  while  they  might  either  hold  fword  in  hand  or  fpeare  in 
reft."  Holinshed,  566. 

Note  Sixteenth,  ibid. 

Line  625. — "  The  King  of  England,  advertifed  of  their 
hautie  courages,  determined  to  conquer  them  by  famine, 
which  would  not  be  tamed  by  weapon.  Wherefore  he  flop- 
ped all  the  paffages,  both  by  water  and  land,  that  no  vittels 
could  be  conveied  to  the  citie.  He  caft  trenches  round  about 
the  walls,  and  fet  them  full  of  flakes,  and  defended  them  with 
archers,  fo  that  there  was  left  neither  waie  for  them  within  to 
iflue  out,  nor  for  anie  that  were  abroad  to  enter  in  without 
his  licenfe. — The  King's  cooiine  germane  and  alie  (the  King 
of  Portugale)  fent  a  great  navie  of  well-appointed  fhips 
unto  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  Seine,  to  flop  that  no  French 
veffel  fhould  enter  the  river  and  pafie  up  the  fame,  to  the  aid 
of  them  within  Rouen. 

"  Thus  was  the  faire  citie  of  Rouen  compaffed  about  with  en- 
emies, both  by  water  and  land,  having  neither  comfort  nor  aid 
of  King,  Dauphin,  or  Duke."  Holinshed,  566. 

Note   Seventeenth,  ibid. 

Line  633. — "  After  he  had  profecuted  the  fiege  of  this  place 
for  fome  time,  the  Cardinal  Urfino  repaired  to  his  camp,  and 


244  NOTES. 

endeavoured  to  perfuade  him  to  moderate  his  terms,  and  agree 
to  an  equitable  peace  ;  but  the  King's  reply  plainly  evinced 
his  determination  of  availing  himfelf  of  the  prefent  fituation 
of  public  affairs.  "  Do  you  not  fee,"  faid  he,  "  that  God  has 
brought  me  hither,  as  it  were  by  the  hand  ?  The  throne  of 
France  may  be  faid  to  be  vacant ;  1  have  a  good  title  to  that 
crown  ;  the  whole  kingdom  is  involved  in  the  utmoft  diforder 
and  confufion  ;  few  are  willing,  and  ftill  fewer  are  able,  to 
refill  me.  Can  I  have  a  more  convincing  proof  of  the  inter- 
pofition  of  Heaven  in  my  favour,  and  that  the  Supreme  Ruler 
of  all  things  has  decreed  that  I  mould  afcend  the  throne  of 
France  ?"  Hist,  of  England,  by  Hugh  Clarendon. 

Note  Eighteenth,  p.  45. 

Line  646. — Henry,  not  fatisfied  with  the  reduction  of  Caen, 
put  feveral  of  the  inhabitants  to  death,  who  had  fignalized 
their  valour  in  defence  of  their  liberty  and  property. 

H.  Clarendon. 
Note  Nineteenth,  ibid. 

Line  6 59. — After  the  capture  of  the  city,  "  Luca  ltalico,  the 

Vicar  Generall  of  the  archbKhoprike  of  Rouen, for  denouncing 

the  king  accurfed  was  delivered  to  him,  and  deteined  in  prifon 

till  he  died."  Holinshed.     Titus  Livius. 

Note  Twentieth,  p.  46. 

Line  672, — "  A  gl£«t  nUmLcf  u£,^CC:?  "Hie  creatures  were 
put  out  of  the  gates,  which  were  by  the  Ehglifhmen  that  kept 
the  trenches,  beaten  and  driven  back  againe  to  the  fame  gates, 
which  they  found  clofed  and  fhut  againft  them,  and  fo  they 
laie  betweene  the  wals  of  the  citie  and  the  trenches  of  the  en- 
emies, ftill  crieing  for  help  and  releefe,  for  lack  whereof  great 
numbers  of  them  dailie  died."  Holinshed. 

Note  Twenty-firft,  ibid. 

Line  681. — One  of  the  deputed  citizens,  "fhewing  himfelf 
more  rafh  than  wife,  more  arrogant  than  learned,  took  upon 
him  to  fhew  wherein  the  glorie  of  vietorie  confifted  ;  ad- 
vifing  the  king  not  to  fhew  his  manhood  in  famifhing  a  mul- 
titude of  poore,  fimple,  and  innocent  people,  but  rather  fuffer' 
fuch  miferable  wretches  as  laie  betwixt  the  wals  of  the  citie  and 
the  trenches  of  his  fiege,  to  paffe  through  the  camp,  that  theie 
might  get  their  living  in  other  places  ;  then,  if  he  durft  manfullie 
affault  the  place,  and  by  force  fubdue  it,  he  fhould  win  both 
worldlie  fame,  and  merit  great  meed  from  the  hands  of  Al- 
mightie  God,  for  having  compaffion  of  the  poore,  needie  and  in-? 


NOTES.  245 

digent  people.  When  this  orator  had  faid,  the  King,  with  a 
fierce  countenance  and  bold  fpirit,  reproved  them  for  their 
malapert  prefumption,  in  that  they  fhould  feeme  to  go  about  to 
teach  him  what  belonged  to  the  dutie  of  a  conqueror,  and  there- 
fore, fince  it  appeared  that  the  fame  was  unknown  to  them,  he 
declared  that  the  Goddeffe  of  Battell,  called  Bellona,  had  three 
handmaidens,  ever  of  neceffitie  attending  upon  her,  as  Blood, 
Fire,  and  Famine,  and  whereas  it  laie  in  his  choice  to  ufe  them 
all  three,  he  had  appointed  onelie  the  meekeft  maid  of  thofe 
three  damfels,  to  punifli  them  of  that  citie  till  they  were 
brought  to  reafon.  This  anfwer  put  the  French  ambaffador 
in  a  great  ftudie,  mufing  much  at  his  excellent  -wit  and  havvti 
neffe  of  courage."  Holinshed 

Note  Twenty-fecond,  p.  47. 

Line  697. — Roan  was  betrayed  by  its  Burgundian  Gover- 
nor, Bouthellier.     During  this  fiege,  fifty  thoufand  men  per- 
ifhed  through  fatigue  and  the  ufe  of  unwholefome  provifions 
Note  Twenty-third,  ibid. 

Line  70a. — Roy   d'Angletterre  fift  coupper  la  teft  a  Allairi 
Blartchart  cappitaine  du  commun. 

MoNSTRELLET.       FEUILLET,   CXCviL 


BOOK   THE    THIRD. 

Note  Firft,  p.  50. 

Line  29. — Tanneguy  du  Chatel  had  faved  the  life  of  Charles 
when  Paris  was  feized  by  the  Burgundians.  Lifie  Adam, 
a  man  noted  for  ferocity  even  in  that  age,  was  admitted  at 
midnight  into  the  city  with  eight  hundred  horfe.  The  par- 
tisans of  Burgundy  were  under  arms  to  aflift  them,  and  a 
dreadful  {laughter  of  the  Armagnacs  enfued.  Du  Chate], 
then  Governor  of  the  Eaftile,  being  unable  to  retrain  the  tu- 
mult, ran  to  the  Louvre,  and  carried  away  the  Dauphin  in 
his  fliirt,  in  order  to  fecure  him  in  his  fortrefs,.  Rapin. 

Note   Second,  ibid. 

Line  40. — Riehemont  caufed  De  Giac  to  be  Wrangled  in 
his  bed,  and  thrown  into  the  Loire,  to  puiiifh  the  negligence 
that  had  occafioned  him  to  be  defeated  by  an  inferior  force  at 
Avrsnehes.  The  conftable  had  laid  fiege  to  St.  James  de 
Beuvron,  a  place  ftrongly  garrifoned  by  the  Engbfh.  He  had 
been  promifed  a  convoy  of  money,  which  De  Giac,  who  bad 
the  management  of  the  treafury,  purpefely  detained  to  mortify 
the  conftable.  Riehemont  openly  aceufed  the  trtafi:rcr,  and 
W  z 


246  NOTES. 

revenged  himfelf  thus  violently.  After  this,  he  boldly  de- 
clared, that  he  would  ferve  in  the  fame  manner  any  perfon 
whatfoever,  that  fhould  endeavour  to  engrofs  the  King's  favour. 
The  Camus  of  Beaulieu  accepted  De  Giac's  place,  and  was,  by 
the  conftable's  means,  affaffinated  in  the  King's  prefence. 
Note  Third,  p.  51. 
Line  45. — "  The  Dukes  of  Orleans-  and  Burgundy  had 
agreed  to  bury  all  paft  quarrels  in  oblivion,  and  to  enter  into 
ftrid  amity :  they  fwore  before  the  altar  the  fincerity  of  their 
friendfhip  ;  the  prieft  adminiftered  the  facrament  to  both  of 
them  ;  they  gave  to  each  other  every  pledge  which  could  be 
deemed  facred  among  men.  But  all  this  folemn  preparation 
was  only  a  cover  for  the  bafeft  treachery,  which  was  delibe- 
rately premeditated  by  the  Duke  of  Burgundy.  He  procured 
his  rival  to  be  affaffinated  in  the  ftreets  of  Paris  :  he  endeav- 
oured for  fome  time  to  conceal  the  part  which  he  took  in  the 
crime ;  but  being  detected,  he  embraced  a  refolution  frill  more 
criminal,  and  more  dangerous  to  fociety,  by  openly  avowing 
and  juftifying  it.  The  parliament  itfelf,  of  Paris,  the  tribu- 
nal of  juftice,  heard  the  harangues  of  the  Duke's  advocate,  in 
defence  of  affaffination,  which  he  termed  tyrannicide  ;  and  that 
affembly,  partly  influenced  by  faction,  partly  overawed  by 
power,  pronounced  no  fentence   of  condemnation  againft  this 

deteftable  doctrine. " "  This  murder,  and  ft  ill  more 

the  open  avowal  of  the  deed,  and  defence  of  the  doctrine, 
tended  to  dhTolve  all  bands  of  civil  fociety  ;  and  even  men  of 
honour,  who  detefled  the  example,  might  deem  it  juft,  on  a 
favourable  opportunity,  to  retaliate  upon  the  author.  Bur- 
gundy had  entered  into  a  fecret  treaty  with  the  Dauphin,  and 
the  two  princes  agreed  to  an  interview,  in  order  to  concert 
the  means  of  rendering  effectual  their  common  attack  on  the 
Englifh  ;  but  how  both  or  either  of  them  could  with  fafety 
venture  upon  this  conference,  it  feemed  fomewhat  difficult  to 
contrive.  The  Duke,  therefore,  who  neither  dared  to  give, 
nor  could  pretend  to  expect  any  truft,  agreed  to  all  the  con- 
trivances for  mutual  fecurity  which  were  propofed  by  the  min- 
ifters  of  the  Dauphin.  The  two  princes  came  to  Montefeau  : 
the  Duke  lodged  in  the  cattle,  the  Dauphin  in  the  town, 
which  was  divided  from  the  caftle  by  the  river  Yonne  ;  the 
bridge  between  them  was  chofen  for  the  place  of  interview  ; 
two  high  rails  were  drawn  acrofs  the  bridge  ;•  the  gates  on 
each  fide  were  guarded,  one  by  the  officers  of  the  Dauphin. 


NOTE     S.  247 

the  other  by  thofe  of  the  Duke.  The  princes  were  to  enter 
into  the  intermediate  fpace  by  the  oppofite  gates,  accompanied 
each  by  ten  perfons,  and  with  all  thefe  marks  of  diffidence, 
to  conciliate  their  mutual  friendfhip.  Eut  it  appeared  that 
no  precautions  are  fufficient  where  laws  have  no  place,  and 
where  all  principles  of  honour  are  utterly  abandoned.  Tan- 
neguy  du  Chatel,  and  others  of  the  Dauphin's  retainers,  had 
been  zealous  partizans  of  the  late  Duke  of  Orleans,  and  they 
determined  to  feize  the  opportunity  of  revenging  on  the  af- 
faffin  the  murder  of  that  Prince.  They  no  fooner  entered 
the  rails,  than  they  drew  their  fwcrds,  and  attacked  the  Duke 
of  Burgundy.  His  friends  were  aftonifhed,  and  thought  not 
of  making  any  defence ;  and  all  of  them  either  fhared  his 
fate,  or  were  taken  prifoners  by  the  retinue  of  the  Dauphin." 

Hume. 
Note  Fourth,  p.  51. 
Line  67.— A  dreadful  flaughter  of  the  Armagnacs  had 
taken  place,  when  Lifie  Adam  entered  Paris  at  midnight. 
May  18,  141 8.  This,  however,  was  only  a  prelude  to  a 
much  greater  commotion  in  the  fame  city  fome  days  after. 
Upon  news  of  what  had  paffed,  the  exiles  being  returned  to 
Paris  from  all  quarters,  the  maffacre  was  renewed,  June  the 
1 2th.  The  conftable  Armagnac  was  taken  out  of  prifon, 
murdered,  and  fhamefully  dragged  through  the  ftreets.  The 
Chancellor,  feveral  Bifhops,  and  other  perfons,  to  the  number 
of  two  thoufand,  underwent  the  fame  barbarous  treatment. 
Women  and  children  died  fmothered  in  dungeons.  Many  of 
the  nobles  were  forced  to  leap  from  high  towers  upon  the  points 
of  fpears.  The  maffacre  being  ended,  the  Queen  and  the  Duke 
of  Burgundy  entered  Paris  in  triumph.  Mezeray.  Rapin, 
Note  Fifth,  p.  53. 
Line  114. — Charles,  in  defpair  of  collecting  an  army  which 
ihould  dare  to  approach  the  enemy's  entrenchments,  not  only 
gave  the  city  of  Orleans  for  loft,  but  began  to  entertain  a  very 
difmal  profpect  with  regard  to  the  general  ftate  of  his  affairs. 
He  faw  that  the  country  in  which  he  had  hitherto,  with  great 
difficulty,  fubfifted,  would  be  laid  entirely  open  to  the  invafion 
of  a  powerful  and  victorious  enemy,  and  he  already  entertained 
thoughts  of  retiring  with  the  remains  of  his  forces  into  Lan- 
guedoc  and  Dauphiny,  and  defending  himfelf  as  long  as  poffible 
in  thofe  remote  provinces.  But  it  was  fortunate  for  this  good 
prince  that,  as  he  lay  under  the  dominion  of   the  fair,  the 


24S  NOTES, 

women  whom  he  confulted  had  the  fpirit  to  fupport  his 
finking  resolution  in  this  defperate  extremity.  Mary  of 
Anjou,  his  Queen,  a  princefs  of  great  merit  and  prudence,  ve- 
hemently oppofed  this  meafure,  which  fhe  forefaw  would  dif- 
courage  all  his  partizans,  and  ferve  as  a  general  fignal  for  de- 
ferring a  prince,  who  feemed  himfelf  to  defpair  of  fuccefs.  His 
miftrefs  too,  the  fair  Agnes  Sorel,  who  lived  in  entire  amity 
with  the  Queen,  feconded  all  her  remonftrances.  Hume. 


BOOK    THE    FOURTH. 

Note  Firft,  p.  79. 
Line  293. — Thomas  Muir. 

Note  Second,  ibid. 
Line  294. — Though    roufed  hy    that    dark   Vizier,   Riot 
rude,  Sec.  Coleridge's  Poems. 

Note  Third,  p.  85. 
Line  489. — "  If  they  who  mingled  the  Cup  of  Bitternefs, 
drank  its  contents,  we  might  look  with  compaflion  on  the 
wickednefs  of  great  men  :  But  alas  !  the  ftorm  which  they 
raife,  "  beats  heavieft  on  the  expofed  innocent,"  and  the  cot- 
tage of  the  poor  man  is  ftripped  of  every  comfort,  before  the 
Oppreffors,  who  fend  forth  the  mandate  of  Death,  are  amerced 
of  one  Luxury  or  one  Vice.  If  calamities  fucceed  each  other 
in  a  long  feries,  they  deprecate  the  anger  of  Heaven  by  a 
Fast;  which  word  (being  interpreted)  feems  to  fignify — 
Prayers  of  Hate  to  the  God  of  Love,  and  then  a  turbot  feaft 
to  the  rich,  and  their  ufual  fcanty  meal  to  the  poor,  if,  indeed, 
debarred  from  their  ufual  labour,  they  can  procure  even  this ! 
But  if  the  caufe  be  crowned  by  victory, 

"  They  o'er  the  ravaged  earth, 

As  at  an  altar  wet  with  human  blood, 

And  flaming  with  the  fire  of  cities  burnt, 

Sing  their  mad  Hymns  of  Triumph — Hymns  to  God, 

O'er  the  deflruclrion  of  his  gracious  worlrs, 

Hymns  to  the  father  o'er  his  flaughter'd  fon." 

See  Conciones  ad  Populum,  or  Addreffes 
to  the  People,  by  S.  T.  Coleridge. 


BOOK    THE    FIFTH. 

Note  Firft,  p.  88. 
Line  38.— The  foreft  of  Orleans  contains,  even  now,  four- 
teen thoufand  acres  of  various  kinds  of  wood. 


NOTES.  24ft? 

Note  Second,  p.  91. 

Line  129.-—"  To  fucceed  in  the  fiege  of  Orleans,  the  En- 
glifh  firft  fecured  the  neighbouring  places,  which  might  oth- 
erwife  have  annoyed  the  befiegers.  The  months  of  Auguft 
and  September  were  fpent  in  this  work.  During  that  fpace 
they  took  Mehun,  Bangenoi,  Gergeau,  Clery,  Sully,  Jenville^ 
and  fome  other  fmall  towns,  and  at  lall  appeared  before  Or- 
leans on  the  1 2th  of  October."  Rapin. 
Note  Third,  p.  94. 

Line  193. — "The  French  King  ufed  every  expedient  to 
fupply  the  city  with  a  garrifon  and  provifions,  and  enable  it 
to  maintain  a  long  and  obftinate  fiege.  The  Lord  of  Gau- 
cour,  a  brave  and  experienced  captain,  was  appointed  gover- 
nor. Many  officers  of  diftinclion  threw  themfelves  into  the 
place.  The  troops  which  they  conducted  were  inured  to 
war,  and  were  determined  to  make  the  moft  obftinate  refift- 
ance :  and  even  the  inhabitants,-  difciplined  by  the  long  con- 
tinuance of  hoftilities,  were  well  qualified,  in  their  own  de- 
fence, to  fecond  the  efforts  of  the  moft  veteran  forces.  The 
eyes  of  all  Europe  were  turned  towards  this  fcene  ;  where,  it 
was  reafonably  fuppofed,  the  French  were  to  make  their  laffc 
Hand  for  maintaining  the  independence  of  their  monarchy, 
and  the  rights  of  their  fovereign."  Hume. 

Note  Fourth,  ibid. 

Line  208. — "  They  pulled  down  all  the  moft  confiderable 

buildings  in  the  fuburb's,  and  among  the  reft  twelve  churches 

and  feveral  monafteries  ;  that  the  Englifh  might  not  make  ufe 

of  them  in  carrying  on  the  fiege."       Rapin.    Monstrelletv 

Note  Fifth,  p.  99. 

Line  342. — "  By  the  treaty  of  Troyes,  Charles  was  to  re- 
main in  quiet  poffeffion  of  royal  dignity  and  revenues.  After 
his  death,  the  crown,  with  all  its  rights  and  dominions,  de- 
volved to  Henry  and  his  heirs.  The  imbecility  of  Charles  was 
fo  great  that  he  could  not  appear  in  public,  fo  that  the  Queen 
and  Burgundy  fwore  for  him."  Rapin.. 

Note  Sixth,  p.  101. 

Line  408. — "  The  befiegers  received  fuccors  in  the  very  be- 
ginning of  the  fiege  ;  but  the  Earl  of  Salifbury,  who  confidered 
this  enterprize  as  a  decifive  action,  for  the  King  his  mafter, 
and  his  own  reputation,  omitted  nothing  to  deprive  the  befieged 
of  that  advantage.  He  run  up  round  the  city,  fixty  forts. 
How  great  foever  this  work  might  be,  nothing  could  divert 


250  NOTE    S. 

him  from  it,  fince  the  fuccefs  of  the  fiege  entirely  depended 
upon  it.  In  vain  would  he  have  purfued  his  attack,  if  the  en- 
emies could  continually  introduce  frefh  fupplies.  Befides,  the 
feafon,  now  far  advanced,  fuggefted  to  him,  that  he  would  be 
forced  to  pafs  the  winter  in  the  camp,  and  during  that  time 
be  liable  to  many  infults.  Among  the  fixty  forts,  there  were 
fix  much  ftronger  than  the  reft,  upon  the  fix  principal  ave- 
nues of  the  city.  The  French  could  before  with  eafe  intro- 
duce convoys  into  the  place,  and  had  made  frequent  ufe  of 
that  advantage.  But  after  thefe  forts  were  built,  it  was  with 
extreme  difficulty  that  they  could,  now  and  then,  give  fome 
affiftance  to  the  befieged.  Upon  thefe  fix  redoubts  the  gen- 
eral erecled  batteries,  which  thundered  againft  the  walls." 

Rapin. 
Note  Seventh,  p.  102. 

Line  425. — "  The  bulwark  of  the  Tournelles  being  much 
fhaken  by  the  befiegers'  cannon,  and  the  befieged  thinking  it 
proper  to  fet  it  on  fire,  the  Englifh  extinguished  the  flames,  and 
lodged  themfelves  in  that  poft.  At  the  fame  time  they  be- 
came inafters  of  the  tower  on  the  bridge,  from  whence  the 
whole  city  could  be  viewed."  Rapin. 

Note  E'ghth,  p    103. 

Line  476. — Revelations,  chap,  xix-  if,  18.. 


BOOK    THE    SIXTH. 

Note  Firft,  p.  109. 
Line  98. — "  It  was  the  belief  of  the  Mexicans,  that  at 
the  conclufon  of  one  of  their  centuries,  the  fun  and  earth 
would  be  deftroyed.  On  the  laft  night  of  every  century  they 
extinguimed  all  their  fires,  covered  the  faces  of  the  women 
and  children,  and  expected  the  end  of  the  world.  The  kin- 
dling of  the  facred  fire  on  the  mountain  of  Huixachtla,  was  be- 
lieved an  omen  of  their  fafety."" 

See  the  History  of  Mexico,  by  the  Abbe  Ciavigers*. 

BOOK   THE    SEVENTH 

Note  Firft,  p.  126. 
Line  122. — Neque  enim  folis  exculfa  lacertis 
Lancea,  fed  tenfo  balifta  turbine  rapta, 
Haud  unum  contenta  latus  tranfire,  quiefcit ; 
Sed  pandens  perque  arma  viam,  perque  ofl'a,  relicta 
Morte  fugit :  fupercft  tel'o  poft  vulnera  curfus. 

Lucan.  III. 


NOTES.  251 

Note  Second,  p.  127. 
'  Line  13  a. — The  bayie  or  lifts  was  a  fpace  on  the  outfide 
of  the  ditch,  furrounded  by  ftrong  pallifades,  and  fonietimes 
by  a  low  embattled  wall.  In  the  attack  of  fortreffes,  as 
the  range  of  the  machines  then  in  ufe  did  not  exceed  the  dis- 
tance of  four  ftadia,  the  befiegers  did  not  carry  on  their  ap- 
proaches by  means  of  trenches,  but  began  their  operations 
above  ground,  with  the  attack  of  the  bayle  or  lifts,  where 
many  feats  of  chivalry  were  performed  by  the  Knights  and 
men  at  arms,  who  confidered  the  afTault  of  that  work  as  par- 
ticularly belonging  to  them  ;  the  weight  of  their  armour  pre- 
venting them  from  fcaling  the  walls.  As  this  part  was  at- 
tacked by  the  Knights  and  men  at  arms,  it  was  alfo  defended 
by  thofe  of  the  fame  rank  in  the  place,  whence  many  fingle 
combats  were  fought  here.  This  was  at  the  firft  inverting 
of  the  plate.  Grose. 

Note  Third,  ibid. 

Line  141. — In  France,  only  perfons  of  a  certain  eftate,  called 
un  jief  de  hauber,  were  permitted  to  wear  a  hauberk,  which 
was  the  armour  of  a  Knight.  Efquires  might  only  wear  a  fimple 
coat  of  mail,  without  the  hood  and  hofe.  Had  this  ariftocratic 
diftinction  confifted  in  the  ornamental  part  of  the  arms  alone,  it 
would  only  have  been  ridiculous.  In  the  enlightened  and  free 
States  of  Greece,  every  foldier  was  well  provided  with  defen- 
five  arms.  In  Rome,  a  civic  wreath  was  the  reward  of  him 
who  fliould  fave  the  life  of  a  citizen.  To  ufe  the  words  of 
Dr.  Gillies,  "  The  miferable  peafants  of  modern  Europe  are 
expofed  without  defence  as  without  remorfe,  by  the  ambition  of 
men,  whom  the  Greeks  would  have  ftyled  tyrants." 
Note  Fourth,  ibid. 

Line  143.; — The  burgonet,  which  reprefented  the  fh ape  of 
the  head  and  features. 

Note   Fifth,  ibid. 

Line  149. — Earls  and  Dukes  frequently  wore  their  coronets 
on  the  crefts  of  their  helmets. 

Note  Sixth,  p.  1.7.8. 

Line  I J  9. — A  breaft-plate  was  fometimes  worn  under  flic 
hauberk.  _ 

BOOK   THE   EIGHTH. 

Note  Firft,  p.  150. 
Line  158. — Next  the  bayle  was  the   ditch,   fofs,  graff,  or 
mote ;  generally  where  it  could  he  a  wet  one,  and  pretty  deep. 


252  NOTES. 

The  pafTage  over  it  was  by  a  draw-bridge,  covered  by  an  ad- 
vance work,  called  a  barbican.  Grose. 
Note  Second,  p.  151. 
Line  163. — The  pavais,  or  pavache,  was  a  large  fhield,  or 
rather  a  portable  mantlet,  capable  of  covering  a  man  from  head 
to  foot,  and  probably  of  fufficient  thicknefs  to  refill:  the  mif- 
five  weapons  then  in  ufe.  Thefe  were  in  fieges  carried  by 
fervants,  whofe  bufinefs  it  was  to  cover  their  mailers  with 
them,  whilft  they,  with  their  bows  and  arrows,  fhot  at  the  en- 
emy on  the  ramparts.  As  this  muft  have  been  a  fervice  of 
danger,  it  was  that,  perhaps,  which  made  the  office  of  Scutifer 
honourable.  The  pavais  was  rectangular  at  the  bottom,  but 
rounded  off  above  :  it  was  fometimes  fupported  by  props. 

Grose. 
Note  Third,  ibid. 
Xine  185. — The  crofs-bow  was  for  fome  time  laid  afide,  in 
obedience  to  a  decree  of  the  feeond  JLateran  Council,  held  in 
1139.  "  Artem  illam  mortiferam  et  Deo  odibilem  balliftari- 
orum  adverfus  Chriftianos  et  Catholicos  exercere  de  castero 
fub  anathemate  prohibemus."  This  weapon  was  again  intro- 
duced into  our  armies  by  Richard  I.  who  being  flain  with  a 
quarrel-fhot  from  one  of  them,  at  the  fiege  of  the  Caftle  of 
Chaluz  in  Normandy,  it  was  confidered  as  a  judgment  from 
Heaven,  inflicted  upon  him  for  his  impiety.  Guilliaume  le 
Bretons,  relating  the  death  of  this  King,  puts  the  following 
into  the  mouth  of  Atropos  : 

Hac  volo,  non  alia  Richardum  morte  perire 

Ut  qui  Francigenis  balliftas  primitus  uium 

Tradidit,  ipfe  fui  rem  primitus  experiatur, 

Quemque  alios  docuic  in  fe  vim  fentiat  artis.  Gross. 

Note  Fourth,  p.  152. 
Xine  193. — The  fifty-eighth  chapter  of  lfaiah  was  the  ap- 
pointed leffon  for  our  general  faft  in  1 793.  The  tenor  of 
the  chapter  is  fuch  as  almoffc  to  prove  an  ironical  intention  in 
whoever  fele&ed  it.  "  Behold,  ye  fafl  for  Jl 'rife  and  debate,  and  to 
frnite  ivith  thefjl  of  ivickednefs  :  ye  fhall  not  faft  as  ye  do  this  day, 
to  make  your  voice  to  be  heard  on  high.  Is  it  fuch  a  faft  that 
I  have  chofen  ?  a  day  for  a  man  to  afflict  his  foul  ?  Is  it  to  bow 
down  his  head  as  a  bulrufh,  and  to  fpread  fackcloth  and  afties 
under  him  ?  Wilt  thou  caJl  this  a  faft,  and  an  acceptable  day  to 
the  Lord  ?    Is  not  this  the  faft  that  I  have  chofen  ?  to  loofe  the 


NOTES.  sjf 

bands  of  ivlcledncfs,  to  undo  the  heavy  but dens ,  and  TO  LET  the 
oppressed   go  free,  and   that  ye  break   every  yoke." 

Verses  4,  5,  6. 
Note  Fifth,  p.  152. 
Line  205. — From  the  trehuchet  they  difcharged  many  ftones 
at  once  by  a  fling.  It  a&ed  by  means  of  a  great  weight  faften- 
ed  to  the  fhort  arm  of  a  lever,  which  being  let  fall,  raifed  the 
end  of  the  long  arm  with  a  great  velocity.  A  man  is  repre- 
fented  kneeling  to  load  one  of  thefe  in  an  ivory  carving,  fup- 
pofed  to  be  of  the  age    of  Edward  II.  Grose. 

Note  Sixth;  ibid,. 
Line  209. — Quarrels,  or  carreaux,  were  fo  called  from  their 
heads,  which  were  fquare  pyramids  of  iron. 
Note-  Seventh,  p.  158. 
Line   381. — The  efpringal  threw  large  darts,  called  Mu- 
chettse,   fometimes   winged    with   brafs   inftead   of  feathers. 
Thefe   darts  were  alfo   called  Viretons,  from  their  whirling 
abroad  in  the  air. 

Note  Eighth,  p.  1 62. 
Line  478. — On   entering  the  outer  gate,  the  next  part  that 
prefented   itfelf  was    the  outer  ballium,  or  bailey,  leparated 
from  the  inner  ballium  by  a  ftrong  embattled  wall  and  tow- 
ered gate. 

Note  Ninth,  p.  169. 
Line  696. — The  Parliament,  when  Henry  V.  demanded 
fupply,  entreated  him  to  feize  ail  the  eccleiiaftical  revenues, 
and  convert  them  to  the  ufe  of  the  crown.  The  Clergy  were 
alarmed,  and  Chichely,  Archbiihop  of  Canterbury,  endeav- 
oured to  divert  the  blow,  by  giving  occupation  to  the  King, 
and  by  perfuading  him  to  undertake  a  war  againft  France. 

Hume, 


BOOK   THE    NINTH. 

Note  Firft,  p.  177. 
Line  29.—The  Baftille. 

Note  Second,  p.  184. 
Line  223. — This  thought  is  taken  from  Goethe's  Sorrows 
of  Werter. 

Note  Third,  p.  201. 
Line  709. — During  the  fiege  of  Jerufalem,  "  the  Roman 
commander,  iv'ith  a  generous  clemency,  that  infeparable  attendant  on 
true  heroifm,  laboured  inceffantly,  and  to  the  very  lait  moment, 
X 


254  NOTE    S. 

to  preferve  the. place.  With  this  view,  he  again  and  again 
entreated  the  tyrants  to  furrender  and  fave  their  lives.  With 
the  fame  view  alio,  after  carrying  the  fecond  wall,  the  fiege 
was  intermitted  four  days.  To  roufe  ;their  fears,  prifoners,  to 
the  number  vf  Jive  hundred,  or  more,  ivere  crucified  daily  beforje  the 
walls  ;  till  /pace,  Jofephus  fays,  was  wanting  for  the  crpffes,  and 
crojjes  for  the  captives.** 

From  the  Bampton  Lectures  of  Ralph  Churton. 

If  any  of  my  readers  fhould  inquire  why  Titus  Vefpafian, 

the  Delight  of  Mankind,  is  placed  in  fuch  a  fituation— -I  an- 

fwer,  for  "  his  generous  clemency,  that  inseparable 

ATTENDANT  ON    TRU.E   HEROISM  !" 

Note  Fourth,  p.  207. 
Line  90a. — "  The  grave  matron  doesnot  perceive  how  time 
has  impaired  her  charms,  but  decks  her  faded  bofom  with  the 
fame  fnow-drop  that  feems  to  grow  on  the  hreaft  of  the  Vir- 
gin." P.  H. 

BOOK   THE    TENTH. 

Note  Firft,  p.  218. 
Line  265. — "  She  fternly  fhook  h.er  dewy  locks,  and  brake 
A  melancholy  fmile."  Quarles. 

Note  Second,  p.  227. 
Line  518. — This  infcription  was  upon  the  fword  of  Talbot 
— "  Sum  Talboti  pro  vincere  inimicos  fuos." 


CCjr*  THE  Editor  of  Joan  of  Arc  has  lately  received 

a  volume  of  fugitive  poems  (\%mo.  21 8  pages )  by  the  fame  author, 
which  he  propofes  to  publijh  in  the  fame  form  ;  -to  -he  delivered  in 
hoards  and  lettered  at  ffiy  cents.  the  merit  cf  the  work  is  war- 
ranted by  the  Manthly  Reviewers  for  March,  1/97,  to  be  of  a  jupc- 
rior  kind  ;  but  as  the  expenfe  attending  the  publication  of  fuch  works  is 
great,  and  their  f ale  wholly  confined  to  pcrfons  eftafe,  he  cannot  prom- 
ife  this  volume  for  the  moderate  price  of  50  cents,  ('which  tc/ls  $f. 
JlerlingJ  nor  put  it  to  the  prefs,  until  afubfcription  ftfficient  to  defray 
the  expenfe  of  printing,  at  leaf,  be  previoufiy  obtained, 


JOSEPH  NANCREDE 

Has  received,  by  the  lajl  vejfels  from  London,  a  frefh  af- 
fortment  of  new  and,  in  other  refpeEts,  valuable  Publica- 
tions, ivhich,.  added  to  the  flock  of  Books  already  on 
hand,  forms  a  collection  of  upwards  of  twenty  thoufand 
volumes,  principally  Englifh,  in  the  various  branches  of 
Science,  and  ancient  and  modern  Literature.  As  great 
pains  and  much  time  were  be/lowed  on  the  choice,  it  is 
hoped  it  'will  be  f mind  as  judicious  and  as  intercjling  as 
any  in-  the  United  States.  In  THEOLOGY,  LAW, 
POLITICS,  AGRICULTURE,  HISTORY  and 
VOYAGES,  Particular  attention  has  been  paid  to  fe- 
hSing  all  that  is  rare  and  valuable  in  the  Englijh  lan- 
guage ;  all*  new  works  and  fear ce  trails,  many  of  which 
'were  never  feen  before  in  America,  are  comprifed  in  this- 
a/Jbrtment. 

Gentlemen  of  Science  and  of  tafle  iri  general  : — Young  gen- 
tlemen intended  for  the  fuperior  departments  of  commer- 
cial life,  or  the  learned  prof effions,  have  now  a?i  oppor- 
tunity of  completing  or  of  forming  their  libraries,  from 
the  latefl  and  befi  editi&ns  of  the  bejl  works,  and  on  the 
mofi  reafonable  terms. 

0Cj=*  The   Monthly  Review,   Critical  Review,  New  An- 

■  nual  Regtfler,  European  Magazine,  Monthly  Magazine, 
Medical  Review,  and  Annals  of  Medicine  are  regularly 
imported,  and  may  he.  had  at  the  above  Store.  All  other 
Books  of  any  magnitude  or  amount,  imported  on  thejhort- 
efl  notice,  and  on  the  mofi  moderate  commifflon. 
The  following  are  among  his  laft  importation. 

BELOE's  Aulus  Gellius,  3  vols.-  8vo.    New.- 
Herodotus,  4  vols.   8vo. 

Mifcellanies,  3  vols.  i2mo. 

Nicholfon's  Chemical  Dictionary,  2  vols.  4to.- 
Hartley  on  Man,  with  notes,  3  vols.  8vo. 

abridged  by  Prieftley,  8vo. 

Kama's  Hiftorical  Law  Tracts,  8vo. 

---Sketches  of  the  Hirtory  of  Man,-  4  vols.   8vo. 

Salmon's  Stemmata  Latinitatis,.  2  vols,  large  8vo.      A 

new  work  of  great  merit. 
BurFon's  Natural  Hiftory*  18  vols.  8vo. 
■— t abridged,  2  vols- 


*56  CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS. 

Tillotfon's  Works,   12  vols.   8vo. 
Lardner's  Sermons,   1 1  vols.   8vo. 
Jortin's  Sermons,  7  vols.  8vo. 
Hiftory  of  France,  3d  and  4th  vols.   8vo. 

of  Spain,   3  vols.  8vo. 

Clayton's  Hiftory  of  the  Houfe  of  Medici,  2  vols.  4to. 
Knox's  Britifh  Empire,  2  vols.  8vo. 
Melmoth's  Tranflation  of  Cicero,  3  vols.  8vo.  A  com- 
plete and  elegant  translation. 
Shakefpeare,  7  vols.  870.  An  edition  of  1798,  complete 
'with  a  Gloffary.  fcj*  This  is  the  lajl  and  bejl  edition. 
Elegant  editions  of  Milton's  Paradife  Loft. 

Young's  Night  Thoughts. 

Thomfon's  Seafons. 

Banyan's  Pilgrim's  Progrefs. 

Hervey's  Meditations. 

Bibles,  8vo.  and  i2mo. 


Virgil,    1  Wakefield>s  gdfc. 

Horace,  y 


Quintillian,  by  Rollin. 

Harding's  Prayer  Book. 

Telemachus,  4to. 

Goldfmith,   7  vols. 

Edwy  and  Edilda.    Apafioral 
Terry's  Voyages.  [tale. 

Winter  botham's  China,  8vo. 
Dictionary  of  Surgery,  i8vo. 
Adams's  Univerfal  Hiftory,   3  vols.  8vo.     A  /at;  and 

well  received  work. 
Watfon's  Gazetteer.     New. 
Salmon's"  do. 

Malham's  Navigation.     Author  of  Naval  Gazetteer. 
Hiftory  of  Athens,  410. 
Darton's  Teftaments.      Elegant  large  print. 
Monthly  Magazine. 
Monthly  Review. 
Sporting  Magazine,  complete. 
Duke  of  Berwick. — For  military  men. 
Butterworth  on  Religion. 
on  Government. 


CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS.  a57 

Adventurer,  4  vols.   i2mo. 

Addifon's  Works,  3  vols.   1 2mo. 

Anatomical  Dialogues.      Ufeful for  fludents. 

Anfon's  Voyages,   12  mo. 

Henry's  Hiftory  of  Great-Britain.      Claffical  men  pratfe 

this  work  highly,    ' 
Spallanzani's  Voyage  through  Sicily- 
Simfon's  Euclid,  8vo. 
Sale's  Koran,  2  vols.  8vo- 
Reid's  Eftays,  2  vols.   8vo. 
Paley's  Horse  Paulinse,  8vo. 
Paufanias's  Greece,  3  vols.  8vo. 
Proteftant  Preacher,  2  vols.  8vo. 
New  Eloifa,  by  J.  J.  RoufTeau,  3  and  4  vols. 
Emilius  and  Sophia,  4  vols. 
Social  Compact. 

Sturm's  Reflections,  3  vols.   1 2mo. 
Bolingbroke's  Philosophical  Works,  5  vols.   8voi> 
Ladies'  Library.      Ufeful  and  cheap. 
Modern  Europe,  5  vols.   8vo. 
Robertfon's  America,  3  and  4  vols.   8vo. 

Hiftory  of  Charles  V.   3  vols.  8vo- 

Roland's  Appeal,   2  vols.     Second  Edition, 

Saurin's  Sermons,  6  vols.  8vo. 

Stewart's  Philofophy,   1  vol.  8vot 

Thomfon's  Life  of  Suetonius. 

Murphy's  Tacitus,  4  vols.  4to.  and  8vo.  with  mapsv 

Anacharfis's  Travels,  8vo~ 

Chronologift  of  the  War,   1 2mo. 

Smith's  Wealth  of  Nations,  3  vols.  8vo.  and  1 2mo.. 

Elements  of  Morality,  3.  vols.    i2mo. 

Letters  from  Scandinavia,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Moflieim's  Ecclefiaftical  Hiftory,  6  vols.  8vo.. 

Maury  on  Eloquence,  8vo. 

Montague  on  Republics,  8vo; 

Phillips  on  Inland  Navigation,  4tOi, 

Bruce's  Travels,  5  vols.  4to. 

abridged,  1  vok  rzmo.  Jufl  publijlied* 

R.ollin'5  Ancient  Hiftory,  8  vols.  8vo. 
New  Edition  of  the  Britilh  Encyclopedia,  3  vols,  folio, 
X  % 


2j8  CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS. 

ParkhurfPs  Hebrew  Lexicon,  4to. 

—  Greek      do.         4to. 

Goldfmith's  Mifcellaneous  Works,  4  vob.  1 2mo.     New 

Edition. 

Greece,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Life  of  Chatham,  3  vols.  8vo. 

Varieties  of  Literature,   2  vols.   8vo. 

Wolftoncraft's    Tour  through  Sweden,  &c. 

Church  of  St.  SifFrid.      A  new  novel. 

Swift's  Works,  27  vols,  and  18  vols. 

Theatre  of  Education,  by  Madame  Genlis,  4  vols.  1 2mo. 

The  Nun,  by  Diderot.     1  Theje  two  pojlhumous  works 

James  the  Fatalifr,  by  do.  j       of  Diderot  were  prefented 

to  the  firji  National  AJfembly,  by  Prince  Henry  of  Pruffia* 
Am's  Dictionary,  2  vols.  8vo. 
Adams  on  the  Globe,  8vo. 

on  the  Microfcopes,  4to. 

's  Geometrical  EfTays,  8vo. 

Barclay's  Dictionary,   8vo. 

Brown's  Dictionary  c*f  the  Bible. 

Chaptal's  Chemiftry,  3  vols.   8vo. 

Watfon's  Theological  Tracts,  6  vols.   8vo. 

Hiftory  of  the  New  World. 

BirTet  on  Democracy.     Late. 

Ulloa's  Voyages,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Pyle's  Paraph rafe. 

Letters  of  a  Hindoo  Rajah.     Late. 

Vanillo  Gonzales,  by  the  author  of  Gil  Bias. 

Voltaire's  Univerfal  Hiftory,  complete. 

Prefton  on  Mafonry. 

Memoirs  of  Sully,   6  vols.    i2mo. 

of  Cardinal  de  Retz,  4  vols.    i2mo. 

Marmontel's  New  Moral  Tales,  3  vols.   i2mo. 
Millot's  Hiftory  of  England,  4  vols.    i2mo. 
Life  of  George  Ann  Bellamy,  5  vols.    l2mo. 
Houfe  of  Brandenburgh,   2  vols.    1 2mo. 
Hermit  of  Caucafus,  a  novel,  2  vols.   1 2rao. 
Ganganelli's  Letters,   2  vols.   j.2mo. 
Gazetteer  of  France: 
of  the  Netherlands, 


CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS. 


259 


Dryden's  Virgil,  4  vols.    i2mo. 

Cibber's  Works,   5  vols. 

Lillo's  Works,   2  vols. 

Hume's  Hiftory  <sf,  Engl  and,  8  vols.  8vo.  Englifh  edition. 

Winterbotham's  View  of  America. 

Dow's  Hiftory  of  Hindoilan,  3  vols.  8vo. 

Addrefs  to  a  young  Lady   on   her  Entrance   into  the 

World,  -2  vols.  Svo. 
Bonnet  on  Chriftianity,  8vo. 
'  Beauties  of  the  Spectator. 
Brown's  Claffical  Dictionary  :  a  late  publication. 
Beaume's  Manual  of  Chemiftry,  i2mo.  vdry  ufeful. 
Chenier's  Prefent  State  of  Morocco,  2  vo)s.  i2mo. 
Evans's  Sketch  of  the  Denominations  of^  the  Chriftian 

World. 
Elorian's  new  Tales,  i2mo.  a  new  edition,  elegant. 
Gibbon's  Mifcellaneous  Works,  with  Memoirs  of  his 
Life  and  Writings,  compofed    by  himfelf.    2  vols. 
4to.  elegant. 
Gifborne's  Duties  of  Women,  8vo.  Jlrongly  recommended. 
Old  Maids,  3  vols.  8vo.   By  a  Friend  to  the  Sifterhood. 
Mr.  Hay  ley,  one  of  the  mojl  elegant  'writers  and  poets  in 
England,  has  drawn  from  a    barren    subject,    a 
fruitful  and  entertaining  treatife — on  the  Jituation  and 
treatment  of  old  maids — on  the  envy  and  ill-nature  of 
old  maids — on  the  particular  good  qualities  of  old  maids 
— on  the  reverence  paid  to  old  maids,   by  our  northern 
ancejlors — on  the  infinite  increafe  of  old  maids,  after  the 
Chrijlian  era. 
Godwin's    Enquirer  ;   principally   on   Education.      This 
work  went  through  federal  editions  in   the  courfe  of  a 
few  months  in  England. 
Grotius,  Englifh,  3  vols.  8vo. 
Geographical  Dictionary,  i8mo.     A  neat  edition. 
Grieve's  Hiftory  of  Kamfchatka,  4-to.     Veryfcarce  and 

valuable. 
Gallatin's    Sketch  of   the    Finances    of  the    United 

States,  8vo. 
Hutton's  Mathematical  Dictionary,  2  vols.  4to. 
Kume's  Dialogues  on  Natural  Religion. 


*6d  CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS. 

Hunter's  Obfervations  on  the  Life  of  Chrift,  2  vols.  1 2 mo. 

Hiftory  of  France  abridged,  i2mo. 

India  Trader's  Pocket  Companion,  8vo.  half  bound. 

Italian  Monk,  a  play,  by  James  Boaden. 

Illuftrations  of  the  Prophecies,  by  J.  Towers,  2  vols. 
8vo.     Late. 

James's  Selections  from  Sillery,  (Madame  Genlis.) 

Knave  or  Not ;  a  new  comedy,  by  Holcroft. 

LefTep's  Travels  in  Kamfkatka  during  the  Years  1789 
and  1790,  2  vols.     Late  and  well  received. 

Latimer's  Sermons,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Lempriere's  Tour,  8vo. 

, : Claffical  Dictionary. 

Milns's  Well-Bred  Scholar,  Svo. 

Martin's  Rouffeau's  Botany,  8vo.     A  beautiful  thing* 

Mickle's  Lufiad,  by  Camouens,  4to. 

Mandeville's  Fable  of  the  Bees,  8vo. 

Meare's  Voyage,  2  vols.  Svo.    Late. 

Nappleton's  Advice  to  a  Student  at  the  Univerfity. 

Offian's  Poems,  2  vols.  8vo.   Late. 

Onanifm,  by  Tiflbt,  i2mo. 

Perry's  elegant  Englifh  Dictionary,  i2mo. 

Pindar's  Works,  4  vols.  Svo.    Uncommonly  elegant. 

Pye's  Sketches,  moral,  literary  and  political.  An  elegant 
performance,  8vo. 

Prideaux's  Life  of  Mahomet,  8vo. 

Pottervs  Euripides,   2  vols.  4to.     Elegant. 

Playfair's  Commercial  and  Political  Atlas,  which  repre- 
fents  at  a  Jingle  view,  by  means  of  copper-plate  charts, 
the  mojl  important  Public  Accounts,  Revenues,  Expend}- 
iures,  Debts  and  Commerce  of  England.  By  William 
Playfair.  To  which  is  added,  Charts  of  the  Revenues, 
and  Debts  of  Ireland,  done  in  the  fame  manner,  by  James 
Corry,  Efq.  A  new  edition,  improved.  Ilhflrated 
with  forty  copper-plates,  4to.  boards. 

R.ochon's  Voyage  to  Madagafcar,  Svo. 

Sketches  of  the  Hindoos  ;  chiefly  relating  to  the  hi/lory, 
religion,  learning  and  manners  of  the  Hindoos,  with  a 
concife  account  of  the  prefent  flate  of  the  natives  of  Hin- 
doflan.     The  fecond  edition  enlarged,  in  two  volumes. 


CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS.  261 

Variant's  New  Travels,  3  vols.  8vo.       Univerfally  ejleemed. 

Wakefield  on  the  New  Teftament,  2  vols.  8vo.  Laft  edition, 
with  corrections. 

WoJftonecraft  on  the  Education  of  Daughters.      Afmall  volume, 

Whitaker's  Review  of  Gibbon's  Decline  and  Fall  of  the  Ro- 
man Empire. 

Whitehurft's  Theory  of  the  Earth,  4fo. 

Watfon's  Chemical  EiTays,  5  vols.  l2mo. 

Rowe's  Letters.     A  neat  EngHfi  edition. 

Chantreau's  Travels  into  Ruffia,  2  vols,  8vo. 

Art  of  Dyeing  Wool,  Cottons,  &c.  8vo. 

A  Treatife  on  Painting  in  Oil  Colours,  8vc*. 

Da  Vinci  on  Painting,  8vo.  with  plates. 

Motherby's  Medical  Dictionary,  with  the  additional  plates. 

Adams's  Roman  Antiquities,  8vo. 

Patrick's  and  Lowth's  Commentaries,  4  vols,  folio.     Very  fcarce. 

Whitby  on  the  New  Teftament,  2  vols,  folio.  Ditto. 

Johnfon's  Dictionary,  2  vols.  4to. 

Halley's  Aftronomical  Tables,  4to. 

Campbell's  Journey  over  land  to  India,  by  a  route  never  gone 
before  by  any  European.     Probably  that  Intended  by  Buonaparte, 

Grief^ack  on  the  New  Teftament,  8vo. 

Algarotti  on  Military  Affairs,  8vo. 

Doddridge's  Family  Expofitor,  6  vols.  8vo. 

Fitzgerald's  Biblical  Hebrew. 

Bailey's  Elegant  Hebrew  Bible,  8vo. 
,Dubos  on  Taffce,  Poetry,  and  Painting,  3  vols.  8vo. 

Botanic  Garden,  by  D.  Deerwin,  4to.  with  a  large  number  cf 
plates.      A  "very  beautiful  edition. 

Free-Mafon's  Pocket  Companion,  i?mo. 

An  interefting  Narrative  of  the  Travels  of  James  Bruce  into 
Abyffinia,  to  difcover  the  fource  of  the  Nile,  abridged  from 
the  original  work  ;  to  which  are  added,  Notes  and  Extracts 
from  the  Travels  of  Dr.  Shaw,  M.  Savary,  and  the  Memoirs 
of  Baron  de  Tott. 

Religion  of  Nature,  by  Woolaftcn,  4to. 

Roman  Converfation,  2  vols.  8vo. 

Selections  from  the  French  Anas,  2  vols.  umo. 

Spelman's  Tranflation  of  Xenophon,  8vo. 

Seally's  Geographical  Dictionary,  2  vols.  4to. 

Sheldon  on  the  Abforbents,  4to. 

Savary's  Greece  and  Egypt.      A  nexv  edition. 

Townfon's  Travels  in  Hungary,  with  an  Account  of  Vienna 
in  1793,  4to. 

Ulyffes'  Travels  through  Naples,  8vo. 

Campbell  on  the  Gofpel,  2  vols.  4to. 


BOO      K      S 

Lately  publilhed  by  Joseph  Nancrede, 

N'°.  49,  Marlborougb-Street,  Boston. 

THE  STUDIES  OF  NATURE,  tranflated 
from  the  French  of  J.  H.  B.  de  St.  Pierre,  by  H.  Hunter, 
D.  D.   3  vols.  8vo. — fine  wove  paper,  embeilifhed  with  plates. 

#*#  This  very  ingenious,  inter efing,  and  inJiruSlive  tuork  has, 
fmce  its  Jirji  publication,  gone  through  four  fuccej/ive  impreffions,  under 
the  author's  immediate  inspection  ;  befides  a  variety  of  pirated  editions 
in  different  parts  of  the  European  continent. 

"  N"o  book  difplays  a  more  fublime  Theology,  inculcates  a  purer  mo- 
rality, or  breathes  a  mere  ardent  and  expanfive  philanthropy.  St. 
Pierre  has  enabled  us  to  contemplate  this  univerfe  iviih  other  eyes  ; 
has  fur nified  neiv  arguments  to  COMBAT  ATHEISM  ;  has  ef.ablijhed, 
beyond  the  poiver  of  contradiction,  the  doctrine  of  a  Univerfal  Provi- 
dence ;  has  excited  a  loarmer  inter  efl  in  favour  of fv.ffering  himanity  ; 
and  has  dif covered  fcurces,  unknoivn  beforeyof  moral  and  intellectual 
enjoyment. 

THE  NAVAL  GAZETTEER;  being  a  com- 

plete  Geographical  Dictionary,  containing  a  full  and  accurate 
account,  aiphabttically  arranged,  of  all  the  Countries  and 
Iflands  in  the  known  world  ;  fhowing  their  latitude,  found- 
ings, and  llations  for  anchorage  ;  with  a  particular  defcription 
of  the  feveral  Bays,  Capes,  Channels,  Coves,  Creeks,  Currentsy 
Gulfs,  Harbours,  Havens,  Lakes,  Oceans,  Races,  Rivers,  Roads, 
Rocks,  Sands,  Shoals,  Sounds,  Straits,  Tides,  Variation  of  tie  Com- 
fafs,  &c.  Together  with  a  particular  relation  of  the  (hape  and 
appearance  at  fea,  of  the  feveral  Headlands,  Ifhmufes,  Peninfulas, 
Points,  Promontories,  and  whatever  is  of  uft  or  importance  to 
the  Mafter,  Pilot,  Commander,  or  Seaman  of  any  {hip  or  vef- 
fel,  in  navigating  the  watery  element. 

Alfo  comprehending 
.Ample  directions  for  failing  into  or  out  of  the 
different  Ports,  Straits,  and  Harbours  of  the.  four  quarters  of 
the  world  ;  and  for  avoiding  dangers  on  the  various  and  ex- 
tended coafts  ;  in  which  more  than  twelve  thoufand  diftincl 
names  of  places,  &c  are  treated  of,  and  explained  ;  with  a 
correct  fet  of  Charts — a  vols.  8vo. 

By  the  Rev.  John  Maluam. 

***  This  has  been  pronounced  the  tncji  ufeful  and  the  cbeapefi  book 
pullifhedin  America. 


-    CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS.  ^63 

A   VINDICATION   OF  DIVINE   PROVI- 

DENCE,  derived  from  a  philofophical  and  moral  furvey  of  nature 
and  of  man.  By  the  Author  of  Studies  of  Nature— ~%  vols.  8vo. 
with  plates. 

The  fame  work  abridged,  in  1  vol.  8vo.  plates. 
BOTANICAL  HARMONY  DELINEATED ; 

©r,  Applications  of  fome  general  Laws  of  Nature  to  Plants  ; 
by  the  Author  of  Studies  of  Nature,  with  three  botanical  plates, 
elegantly  engraved,  I  vol.  8vo. 

PAUL  AND  VIRGINIA  ;  afentimental  Nar- 
ration, founded  on  fad: ;  by  J.  H.  B.  de  St.  Pierre,  in  %  fmall 
pocket  vols.  French  and  Engliih,  with  cuts. 

The  fame  work  in  1  vol.  wholly  Engliih,  fame 
plates. 

The  fame  in  French,  fame  plates. 

A  HISTORY,  or  ANECDOTES  OF  THE 

REVOLUTION  IN  RUSSIA,  in  the  year  ij6z  ;  tranflated 
from  the  Frenchof  M.  de  Rulhiere  ;  with  an  elegant  head  of 
the  late  Emprefs.     The  fecond  edition,  price  75  cents,  bound.  * 

#*#  "  The  grounds  of  1\I.  de  Rulhiere' s  information  feem  indifpu- 
tctble,  and  his  readers  appear  to  have  every  reafon  to  be  fatisfcd  with 
.his  difcernment,  in  unfolding  the  motives  and  cirotmjiances  that  concur^ 
red  in  bringing  about  this  Jiriking  event. 

"  We  fhall  only  add,  that  tve  have  feldom  met  ivith  more  interety- 
ing  original  anecdotes,  than  thofe  that  are  contained  in  the  little  work 
which  we  have  now  reviewed" 

Appendix  to  Monthly  Review,  vol.  %t. 

THE  ADVENTURES  OF  TELEMACHUS, 

Son  of  Ulyffes,  by  M.  Salignac  Fenelon. 

***  Of  -Fenelon,  the  Monthly  Reviewers  faid,  in  March,  1 796, 
tc  The  annals  of  time  do  not,  perhaps,  contain  a  name  more  re"  ered,  by 
the  befl  and  ivifejl  friends  of  the-hmnan  race,  than  that  of  Fenelon  ; 
and  it  is  to  be  doubted,  whether  any  production  of  human  genius  ever 
was  fo  effectual  in  enlightening  mankind,  and  in  rendering  them  beiiev* 
dent  and  jujl,  as  the  beautiful  philofophic  poem  of  Telemachus.  It 
contains  a  greater  portion  of  political  and  moral  wifdom,  than,  as  we 
■believe,  is  to  be  found  in  any  preceding  work" 

The  fame  work  is  to  be  had  in  Englifh,  with  the 
French  text  on  the  oppofite  page,  with  corrections,  in  two 
vols.  izmo. 

Alfo  in  French,  feparate. — For  execution  and  ac- 
curacy, the  above  is  fupejior  to  the  late  Englifh  edition. 


264  CATALOGUE  OF  BOOKS. 

JOAN  OF  ARC,  an  Epic  Poem,  by  Robert 

Southey  ;  with  Notes. 

"  We  do  not  hefttate  to  declare  our  opinion  f  that  the  poetical  powers 

difplayed  in  it  are  of  a  very  fuperior  kind Conceptions  more  lofty 

and  daring,  fentiments  more  commanding,  and  language  more  energetic, 
ivill  not  eafily  be  found  :  nor  does  feat cely  any  part  of  it  Jink  to  lan- 
guor, as  the  gloiv  of  feelings  and  genius  animates  the  ivholc.  The 
language  is,  for  the  mof  part,  modelled  on  that  of  JVLilton  ;  and  not 
unfrequently,  it  has   a  Jlrong  relifh  of  Shakefpeare" 

Monthly  Review,  vol.  1 9,  p.  361. 


%*#    A  valuable  Affortment  of  the  laft  London 

editions  of  Law-Books, 

Vellum,  Parchment,  and   Stationary.      Alfo,  a 
fmall  affortment  of  Mills'  Patent  Hand  Lanterns. 


A  number  of  SECOND-HAND  MED- 
ICAL   BOOKS. 

FRENCH  BOOKS,  LATIN  and  GREEK 
CLASSICS,  &c. 


(Cj*  To  Country  Bookfellers  and  Shop-keepers,  Purchafert 
for  Social  Librraies,  a?id  others  nvho  buy  in  quantities , 
confiderable  abateffient  will  be  made  from  the  ufual  re- 
tail prices. 

Orders  from  the  Country ,  though  never  fo  trifling,  execu- 
ted by  the  firfl  conveyances,  and  with  as  much  fidelity 
.as  if  .the  perfons  were  prefent* 


